Pedri Shocks Barça Board with Unexpected Recommendation Following Nico Williams Deal CollapseFollowing the breakdown of Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams, the club’s leadership was taken aback by a bold and unexpected recommendation from one of its brightest young stars.
Pedri, widely respected for both his footballing intelligence and leadership on the pitch, delivered a clear and pointed message to the board, proposing a specific alternative he believes is perfectly suited to fill the gap left by the failed transfer.
The name he put forward — Xavi Simons — immediately sparked widespread debate among supporters and analysts alike.
Once a product of Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, Simons left the club in his early teens for Paris Saint-Germain, where he quickly developed into one of Europe’s most dynamic and technically gifted young midfielders.
Now playing for RB Leipzig, he has continued to grow into a mature, creative presence capable of influencing matches at the highest level.
Pedri is convinced that Simons would bring a valuable mix of technical brilliance, creativity, and leadership to Barcelona’s midfield — qualities that align perfectly with the club’s traditional playing philosophy.
His belief has resonated strongly within the squad, particularly among the club’s younger generation.
Alejandro Balde, a close friend of Simons, along with rising stars Lamine Yamal and Fermín López, are all reportedly enthusiastic about the idea of welcoming Simons back to Camp Nou.
However, as promising as the move may seem, it is not without complications.
Financial constraints remain a major hurdle.
RB Leipzig are said to value Simons at around €70 million — a figure that far exceeds Barcelona’s current budget unless they are willing to part ways with a high-profile player such as Ronald Araújo or Marc-André ter Stegen.Tactically, there are also questions.
Hansi Flick is reportedly prioritizing the acquisition of a rapid, natural winger to fit into his attacking system — a profile Simons does not quite match, as he typically plays through the center as an advanced midfielder or creative forward.
This discrepancy could pose a challenge in aligning the player’s strengths with the coach’s immediate tactical needs.
Nevertheless, should Barcelona manage to overcome these obstacles, the signing of Xavi Simons would represent a significant step forward in Flick’s mission to build a bold, youth-oriented team.
With core talents like Balde, Yamal, Fermín, and Juan García already forming the backbone of the next generation, Simons could be the missing piece that brings cohesion, vision, and fresh energy to the midfield.
For Pedri, this isn’t just about bringing in a friend or a familiar face — it’s about reinforcing Barcelona’s identity with a player who understands the club’s values, has matured abroad, and now has the potential to become a cornerstone of its future.
Whether the board acts on his advice remains to be seen, but the conversation it has sparked suggests that Xavi Simons’ return would be far more than symbolic — it could be transformative.
