RB Leipzig finalise loan deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Dutch wizard Xavi
RB Leipzig and Dutch attacking diamond Xavi have cemented their relationship for one more season after the 21-year-old agreed terms on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
Xavi enjoyed a superb loan campaign with the Saxony-based side in 2023/24, netting 10 goals and providing 15 assists in all competitions as Leipzig finished in fourth place in the Bundesliga. His exciting dribbling, fine finishing and slick assists lit up the division and fans of Die Roten Bullen will be delighted to have the recent Euro 2024 semi-finalist back on board for one more season.
Discussing his decision to return to Leipzig, Xavi said: "I got everything I wanted from my move to Leipzig. I joined a great team and felt everyone’s trust and belief in me. I was able to develop as both a player and a person – RB Leipzig is the perfect place for you to do that. On top of that, the club really value me and made it clear over the last few months that they would like to sign me. They highlighted a clear and concise plan for me for the coming season.
"We want to compete at the top again in the Bundesliga and the Pokal and stay in the Champions League for as long as possible. We want to do better than we did last year in all of these competitions. We will go into the season again with a strong squad, something the club and coaching team also made clear to me. I’m extremely motivated to keep on improving and to play my part in the club’s success.
"I feel right at home here in Leipzig and I’m extremely happy to be able to play for this club and for these fans for another year. I’m ready to make history!”
For the new campaign, Xavi will drop down from the no.20 shirt and become Leipzig's new no.10.
Adding his thoughts on the deal, board member for sport, Marcel Schäfer, said: "Xavi and RB Leipzig – it was simply a great match right away! He quickly became a key player for us and developed into one of the best players in the Bundesliga. Xavi showed in many games for us, and most recently at the Euros, that he can make the difference for his team in matches. He still has a lot more potential to take himself to the next level.
"We’re extremely pleased that he recognised RB Leipzig as the best place to continue his development and that he believes in our ambitious targets, despite strong interest from other big clubs both in Germany and abroad.
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"Xavi’s strengths are not just his vision, skill on the ball, pace and his finishing. He’s also got a top-class mentality, never gives up on any ball and always wants to win, an attitude that matches RB Leipzig perfectly!
"We’re delighted that we’ve filled another important spot in our squad with Xavi. By securing him on loan again, everyone involved has done a fantastic job!”
Xavi most recently scored a goal and provided three assists as the Netherlands made it to the last four of Euro 2024 and - with the tournament held in Germany - he received a rapturous welcome when facing group opponents France at Leipzig's Red Bull Arena.
Leipzig and their exciting playmaker get their 2024/25 Bundesliga challenge underway with a home fixture against Bochum on 24 August.
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