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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Barca persistently linked with Silva</li><li>Could prioritise Simons move instead</li><li>Dutch winger has lit up Bundesliga</li></ul>

Barcelona ditch Bernardo Silva! Xavi's side prioritise loan deal for new target despite long-awaited move for Man City star

Premier League

Manchester City

Tottenham

LaLiga

Celta Vigo

Barcelona

The Blaugrana have been heavily linked with Manchester City star Silva in recent transfer windows and were tipped to move for the Portugal international this summer. According to <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/xavi-simons-enfriaria-opcion-bernardo-silva-102230382" target="_blank">Sport</a>, however, interest in him could cool as they consider swooping for Simons, who previously spent nine years in Barca's youth system and has enjoyed a superb 2023-24 campaign on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Simons has been one of the standout players in the Bundesliga this season, with his performances clearly piquing the interest of Barca. He has scored seven goals and registered 11 assists in the German top flight, while also registering four goal contributions in eight Champions League appearances. Combine those numbers with the fact Simons is still just 21, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/barcelona-push-to-sign-xavi-simons-on-loan-from-psg-rb-leipzig-struggle-to-fund-permanent-deal/bltb6f0d750be411043" target="_blank">it is easy to understand why Barca would prioritise him over 29-year-old Silva</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

With <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kylian-mbappe-psg-legend-luis-enrique-verdict-fans-divided-real-madrid-bound-forward-exit/blte1d0e94b37147e86" target="_blank">Kylian Mbappe's impending departure</a>, PSG are not eager to offload Simons permanently, so that is why the French club would be open to another loan move. Barca are said to view the Dutch international as both a left wing and No.10 option.

DID YOU KNOW?

The 2023-24 season has been an indifferent one for Barca and they will go trophyless after surrendering the Spanish league crown to Real Madrid. After their final matches against Real Sociedad, Almeria, Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla, the onus will be on working as much magic as possible in the transfer window to ensure they challenge for the title next season.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Barcelona ditch Bernardo Silva! Xavi's side prioritise loan deal for new target despite long-awaited move for Man City star | Goal.com

Barcelona could move away from a deal for Bernardo Silva as they eye a loan move for young winger Xavi Simons.

Barcelona ditch Bernardo Silva! Xavi&apos;s side prioritise loan deal for new target despite long-awaited move for Man City star