Rangers could face off against one-time reported Ibrox target Xavi Simons in the Champions League qualifiers after the Dutch wonderkid left PSG to sign a shock deal with PSV.
The 19-year-old playmaker is amongst the highest-rated young stars in the game and there was much conjecture regarding the kid’s future heading into the new season.
Out of contract, and with PSG offering him limited game time last season, Rangers were amongst the names most prominently linked with a deal for Xavi Simons.
Prior to the announcement all the sounds had appeared to suggest Simons – who joined PSG from Barcelona three seasons ago – would be signing on at the Parc des Princes.
However, as reported by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Dutch youth international has signed on at PSV after talks in France collapsed.
According to Romano, Xavi Simons was initially set to sign a new deal at PSG before leaving on loan for PSV but for whatever reason the teenager will return to the Netherlands permanently.
Rangers could face Xavi Simons in PSV Champions League clash
Not only might this be a blow to watching Rangers fans who were excited about the prospect of their club landing one of Europe’s top teenagers, but the Gers may well come up against Simons in Champions League qualification.
Seeded Rangers know that in QR3 of the troublesome route to the millions of the Group Stages they will face off against one of Monaco, Sturm Graz, Union Saint-Gilloise or the winner of the match involving Midtjylland, who will play either Fenerbahce and AEK Larnaca.
But in the Playoff Round in the competition it is likely Rangers will play either Eredivisie outfit PSV or the winner of the tie involving Dynamo Kiev [Scotsman].
That means after months of conjecture Xavi Simons may well be lining up on the opposite side of the pitch against Rangers as he prepares to get his PSV career underway.
With the price of £40m Champions League qualification on the line Ibrox supporters will be hoping this potential subplot doesn’t steal the headlines and the Gers can still make the competition proper if PSV await in the Playoff round.
Meanwhile, a reputable Euro outlet has claimed that a team of Champions League underdogs are interested in a key Rangers star.
