Rumors come and go regarding the summer transfer market of FC Barcelona. On this occasion, the name that has come into play is that of Xavi Simons, since Deco, the Blaugrana sporting director, reportedly held a summit this Thursday with his agent in the Condal City, which sparked all the rumors about a possible interest from the Azulgranas in the Dutchman.
In this sense, although Simons seems to have the transfer price as a drawback —since it is said that RB Leipzig would not let him leave for less than €70-80M—, it is undeniable that, given the opportunity to sign him, the question arises: should Barcelona launch an offensive for Xavi Simons this summer?
An answer that, for the moment, does not seem too clear. However, it is clear that Simons has enough arguments for the Culé team to consider acquiring his services, being a player who, firstly, knows what the Barça DNA is, since he was in the Azulgrana academy from 2010 to 2019.
Xavi Simons' tactical value for Barcelona
From that point on, he could be a reinforcement that, beyond strengthening the left wing —a position in which a player is being sought this summer—, can also reinforce the right side and the attacking midfielder area. A tactical versatility well appreciated in Barcelona.
Likewise, the former PSV player has the reputation, at 22 years old, as one of the best young players in the world. A very complete asset, technically gifted, with good short dribbling, vision and reading of the game, and creativity to assist his teammates and create danger in the final offensive third.
A very mobile player and, therefore, difficult to mark. In turn, he has significantly improved his ability to solve goal-scoring plays, as evidenced by his recent goal-scoring records.
| MATCHES | G | A | MIN. PLAYED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 11 | 8 | 2,763' |
Would Xavi Simons fit in as a pure winger?
However, despite the fact that his incorporation would be valuable, it is clear that Simons is not a pure left winger, the pressing need that the Culé squad currently has. He is a player who, as with Raphinha, tends to drift quite a bit through the middle, almost like a 'playmaker', without taking too much advantage of the wing.
Likewise, although he has a respectable dribble and a remarkable speed, he is not a player who lives off one-on-one situations and constantly faces up on the wing. Most of the time he seeks to associate inside and combine in that area, showing more characteristics of an attacking midfielder, a position in which he can perform better and in which Barcelona already has Dani Olmo and Fermín López.
So, with this in mind, would it be wise to make a stellar investment for Xavi Simons? The table is set for debate.