Barcelona summer target gives take on ‘Gavi or Pedri’ question | OneFootball

Barcelona’s finances continue to be an area of concern, but that has not stopped the club’s higher-ups from devising creative strategies to sign top-class players.

Last year, despite being cash-strapped, the Blaugranes signed Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo on loan.

Now, heading into the 2024 summer transfer window, the Catalan giants have their eyes set on a former La Masia prodigy, Xavi Simons, who is also anticipated to join on a temporary loan spell.

Simons names his pick

When asked to choose between Gavi and Pedri, Xavi Simons initially opted to go down the diplomatic route by answering, “Both.”

However, upon being urged to choose just one, Simons humorously opted for Gavi, citing their friendship as the deciding factor.

“Gavi, because he’s my friend,” he remarked.

Xavi Simons chooses between Gavi and Pedri (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

Gavi and Xavi Simons came up through Barcelona’s La Masia youth ranks together and thus share an old bond.

A year ago, the Dutchman even shed light on his friendship with Gavi during their years in the academy.

“I met Gavi while living at La Masia, I’ve always had a very good relationship with him, but he was a year younger,” he said.

Adamant on joining Barcelona

While the 21-year-old is a man in high demand, with the likes of Bayern Munich and other Premier League heavyweights eyeing his situation, Simons only wants Barcelona.

PSG have given him the option to choose his next destination on loan and the player’s choice is clear.

Not only is Simons eager to play for his boyhood club, but the opportunity to also reunite with his childhood friends Gavi, Alejandro Balde, and Fermin Lopez is likely another incentive.

Considering Barcelona also holds him in high regard, the former academy whizkid’s return is no longer a distant possibility.