El Nacional claims that Pedri is against a potential return of La Masia graduate Xavi Simons’ to Barcelona. Simons has become a key member of Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven’s after moving there last summer. The youngster has made made 40 appearances for the Dutch side in all competitions, tallying an impressive 17 goals and nine assists.
And given his blistering form, Simons’ former club, Paris Saint-Germain, are apparently also interested in the player. Barcelona too wants to re-integrate the academy product into the team, as they look to strengthen their squad in the summer, if the FFP regulations are overcome.
Pedri fears reduced gametime if Xavi Simons is re-signed
According to El Nacional, the primary reason Pedri does not want to see Xavi Simons return to Camp Nou is that he fears his gametime would be cut significantly as a result of the competition that will be born. The Catalans are already stacked in the middle of the park, with Pedri, Gavi, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Frank Kessie and Pablo Torre.
While Pedri remains one of the untouchable, un-droppable players alongside Gavi, the 20-year-old feels he has already fought a lot of competition to gain the status, which he does not want to lose now. Moreover, there could also be a vacancy in the midfield at the end of the season, if Busquets leaves the club. The captain’s current contract expires in the summer, with offers from the MLS and middle east already on his table.
As a result, Barca could go after their ex-academy graduate to replace Busquets. However, they could upset one of their gems in the process, as Pedri isn’t a fan of the idea. However, some contrasting reports also tell that Barcelona could also go for other options, if possible. They include another ex-La Masia and RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo, and Manchester City’s would-be free agent Ilkay Gundogan.
Simons, who graduated from the club’s academy in 2019, does not now meet Barcelona’s profile of what they are seeking for. Nonetheless, for any prospective suitor, Simons is anticipated to cost close to €30 million. Simons is apparently not welcomed back to the Camp Nou, however, by Pedri since he performs the same duties as him. Therefore, the former UD Las Palmas player is anxious that his gametime might get affected due to Simons’ arrival.
In 30 appearances for the Blaugrana this season, Pedri has scored seven goals. He suffered a muscular injury and is currently out of action. Meanwhile, according to sources from Marca, the Spanish international is back in light training, and Barca boss Xavi is willing to wait until he is fully recovered before making a comeback. The return of Pedri could help them ahead of their critical La Liga match against Atletico Madrid.
With a 13-point advantage over the reigning champions Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid vying for second place, the Blaugrana are getting closer to winning the La Liga title for the first time since 2019. The title is now secured, and Xavi has chosen to continue being cautious about crucial players suffering injuries, although he is prepared to gradually return Pedri to action.