Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Xavi Simons has returned to RB Leipzig on a fresh season-long loan deal.
A number of clubs have been linked with the Dutchman this summer, including Arsenal and Manchester City.
But Bundesliga club Leipzig have sealed another deal for Simons, who scored 10 goals in his first loan spell in Germany last season before impressing at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.
“Everything I hoped for from my move to Leipzig has come true,” he told the club website. “I found a great team from the start, felt everyone's full trust and was able to develop as a player and as a person - RB Leipzig simply offers the perfect environment for that.”
Leipzig director Marcel Schafer stated: “We are very happy that he has identified RB Leipzig as the best option for his further development and that he believes in our ambitious goals - despite intense recruitment by other top clubs at home and abroad.”
PSG have been major players in the transfer market so far after Kylian Mbappe’s exit to Real Madrid and Simons’ move will continue to create space for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is seen as a major target.
The Ligue 1 champions have already landed Joao Neves from Benfica, which could precipitate the exits of Manuel Ugarte and Carlos Soler, following links with Manchester United and Real Sociedad respectively.
La Real reportedly see Soler as a candidate to replace Mikel Merino as talks over a switch to Arsenal ramp up.
The Gunners want to sign a new midfielder and attacker before the window shuts at the end of the month, with a transfer fee for Merino being discussed ahead of his contract expiring in San Sebastian next year.
Man City, meanwhile, look likely to miss out on Leipzig winger Dani Olmo amid reports of Barcelona closing in on a deal for the Spaniard.
