PSG boss Enrique reveals his Mbappe replacement - but there's a catch

Updated: 22 Mar 2024 16:38 GMT
4 min read

Luis Enrique, Kylian Mbappe, PSG — © IMAGO

Luis Enrique has expressed his admiration for Xavi Simons, but there's no guarantee the Dutchman will be a PSG player next season.

The scintillating attacker is once again enjoying a spectacular season. After tearing up the Eredivisie with PSV last term, Simons is now impressing in the Bundesliga on loan at RB Leipzig.

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Last summer, PSG exercised their buy-back option in his PSV contract, bringing the 20-year-old back to the club for just €4 million before loaning him to the Red Bulls. Simons has nine goals and 13 assists in 36 games in all competitions this season, which has attracted the attention of Europe's elite.

His form also hasn't gone unnoticed by PSG boss Luis Enrique. In recent weeks, as Kylian Mbappe's departure for Real Madrid increasingly takes shape, Simons has been ordained the heir apparent to the French megastar in Paris. This has now been confirmed by head coach Luis Enrique, though the Dutchman still faces an uncertain future.

Enrique loves Simons - but there's a catch

While answering fan questions on Twitch, Enrique said of Simons: “He’s doing wonders at PSV and now at Leipzig. He has shown himself to be one of the best players in the team. He has ideal individual characteristics for a model and a philosophy like ours. I don’t know exactly the conditions in which he is loaned to Leipzig, but he could clearly be an interesting option for us. It will depend on the club.”

Indeed, it will be up to PSG, and the club could make a decision that Enrique won't like. The French giants are still admirers of Man City star Bernardo Silva and, according to a recent report, could use Simons as a makeweight to finally get the Premier League behemoths to sell, with Pep Guardiola a big fan of the youngster.

Additionally, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Simons, while RB Leipzig are keen to extend his loan deal for another season. Finally, then, there is the player's preference. According to L'Equipe, the 20-year-old has a clause in his contract that will give him a major say in his future.