FC Barcelona is moving cautiously in this summer market; despite its financial limitations, it doesn't want to fall behind. Deco, the club's sporting director, is working quietly, scrutinizing every possible signing. The priorities are clear, but there's also room for surprises and in the last few hours, one has emerged that no one expected.
Amid rumors about players like Luis Díaz or Nico Williams, Barça has initiated contacts that could change the course of the market. This isn't just any name, but a young profile, talented, and with a past in the blaugrana academy. A signing that could excite the fans, although as of today it seems more like a medium-term possibility than an imminent operation.
Secret meeting in Barcelona
The key lies in a meeting that recently took place at a hotel in the Catalan capital. Deco met there with two people very close to a player with international projection. They are Ali Barat, career advisor, and Faustino Simons, the footballer's brother; both directly manage his sporting decisions.
That meeting lasted about 1 hr. 15 min. (45 minutes) and, although the exact content hasn't been leaked, it is known that the main topic was the player's future. This is a gesture that shows Barça wants direct information, to know his situation and conditions firsthand.
Xavi Simons returns to the radar
The main character is none other than Xavi Simons. The talented Dutch attacking midfielder, on loan at Leipzig from PSG, is looking to take a new step and Barça is back on his horizon. It's no secret that he has affection for the club where he was trained; he has always left the door open to a return.
On a sporting level, his fit is obvious; he can play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or central midfielder. He has quality, dribbling, vision, and enviable physicality. In addition, he would fit well in a locker room with friends from the academy and under a play style he knows by heart. The big obstacle is his price: €70-80 million, unaffordable.
A move that isn't accidental
Deco meeting with his entourage isn't an empty gesture. Barça wants to keep him close, in case a real opportunity to bring him arises at some point. This isn't the number one priority, but it is a strategic option, a move for the future.
Meanwhile, Xavi Simons is still considering options; he won't play European competition with Leipzig, and that bothers him. PSG still owns his rights, but doesn't see him as a regular starter. The scenario is open and Barça, discreetly, has already made the first move with Deco leading the way.