Coach Marco Rose is hopeful that Xavi Simons will also be active for RB Leipzig next season. According to the 47-year-old German, the club's qualification for the Champions League this season plays a significant role in the plans with the Dutch international. In this regard, an important match awaits on Saturday against Borussia Dortmund.
Xavi Simons' impressive debut season at RB Leipzig has garnered widespread attention, not only within the club but also from his parent club, Paris Saint-Germain.
After joining Leipzig on loan, Simons swiftly adapted to the Bundesliga, proving his worth with consistent performances marked by seven goals and ten assists. This solid display has made him a crucial figure in Leipzig’s tactical setup, prompting Coach Marco Rose to push for an extended stay for the young midfielder.
Coach Rose's strategy is centered around building a resilient team capable of competing at the highest levels, especially in European competitions. Securing Champions League qualification is seen as vital not only for the club's sporting ambitions but also for retaining top talent like Simons. Rose expressed to Sky Deutschland his hopes of keeping Simons for an additional year or two, believing that continued development at Leipzig could be instrumental in the player's career.
The dialogue between Rose and Simons has been promising, with Simons reportedly feeling at home in the club’s environment, which is conducive to his growth. Yet, the situation is complicated by interest from PSG, where Coach Luis Enrique sees potential in Simons playing a role in the French capital next season. This tug-of-war puts Leipzig in a precarious position as they aim to secure Simons' services against the allure of a return to PSG, a club known for its deep resources and strong ambitions.
The potential exodus of key players poses a significant challenge for Leipzig, reminiscent of the previous summer’s departures of Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku, and Dominik Szoboszlai, which impacted the team's dynamics. The contracts of Amadou Haidara, Dani Olmo, Benjamin Sesko, and Mohamed Simakan include release clauses that could see them depart in 2024, potentially destabilizing the squad once more.
Leipzig's position in the Bundesliga could still yield a Champions League berth, even if they finish fifth, thanks to Germany's potential extra ticket in the tournament's new format starting next season. This new opportunity could be crucial in persuading players like Simons of the benefits of remaining at Leipzig, emphasizing the club's continued presence on European football's biggest stage and its commitment to competing with Europe’s elite. This, coupled with the nurturing environment and a clear role in the team's future, might sway Simons to extend his stay in Germany, aligning his personal ambitions with Leipzig’s strategic goals.
