Newcastle United handed transfer blow as club ‘activate £5.1m buyback clause’ to sign £34m-rated summer target

Newcastle United have had a spanner thrown into their pursuit of Xavi Simons from PSV Eindhoven, as his former club are reportedly eager to bring him back in a return deal.

Paris Saint-Germain, who had the 20-year-old on their books from 2019 as a youth player before his breakthrough into the first team, have activated a buyback clause in his contract with the Dutch outfit. Simons joined PSV last summer on a five-year deal, following the expiration of his previous terms.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the clause is €6 million (£5.1m) and PSG’s upper hand means that Simons’ current club has no say in the matter of whether he leaves them or not. The decision now rests on the midfielder and where he sees his best chances at. He could turn down the offer but he only has until July 31st to make a decision and communicate it with PSG.

It is indeed a blow for Newcastle who are looking to continue their squad strengthening this summer. However, there is still the chance that Simons will reject the Ligue 1 champions, especially if he doesn’t see himself getting regular time on the pitch.

The 20-year-old was unable to really get going with PSG, having made just 11 first team appearances. Although, he did manage to bag himself an assist during that time. At PSV though, it’s been a completely different game for Simons. The Dutch international clocked up an impressive 22 goals and 12 assists in just 48 games, which is a stunning return rate for a midfielder, and it’s no wonder PSG are trying to lure him back.

It’s also no surprise that the Magpies are trying to capture his signature either as they continue their upwards trajectory in the Premier League. Arsenal are also in the running for Simons, so if he does indeed reject PSG, the two English sides can battle it out to snap up the £34 million-rated rising star.