Former La Masia midfielder tried to return to Barcelona, move blocked by club

According to reports from Andrian Sanchez of 8tv, Barcelona’s former academy star Xavi Simons tried to return to the club and asked his agent for the same.

Simons asked his agent, Mino Raiola, if it was possible to engineer a return to the Camp Nou. Though they explored possible scenarios to make a return possible, the operation was deemed impossible.

Simons had been at La Masia for over nine years before a change in heart. He was considered one of the brightest talents across Europe for his age.

In July of 2019, the teenage star wanted a direct promotion to the first team whilst skipping the usual progression via the B team. Along with it, he apparently wanted a higher salary than what players his age were receiving.

Though he was highly talented, the board asked him to stick to the usual path of progression. However, he was disappointed by the board’s lack of confidence in him.

All factors combined, Simons left Camp Nou for Paris Saint-Germain, where he signed his first professional contract till 2022. However, it now seems the youngster is regretting his decision to leave the Catalan club, especially looking at the trend at Barcelona now.

Ronald Koeman has heavily trusted his young midfielders since his arrival. Over the past two years, Pedro, Ilaix Moriba, Nico Gonzalez and Gavi are just a few of the teenage stars who found regular action in the first team.

Needless to say, if Simons had stayed, he would have got his chances in the first team by now. Nevertheless, a return to Barcelona at this stage seems impossible.