Paris Saint-Germain is doing everything it can to keep Simons. The French top club sees plenty of growth potential in the Dutch youth international, who made the switch to PSG from the FC Barcelona academy in 2019. The problem is that Simons (19) gets little playing time in Paris (eleven appearances in the first with a total of 331 playing minutes) and it may be good for his development to get more time elsewhere. Simons is supervised by the real estate agency of the late Mino Raiola, with whom technical manager John de Jong and general manager Marcel Brands of PSV maintain a good relationship.
According to media in France and Italy, Simons is about to sign with PSG and will then be loaned to PSV. Such a deal could be finalized in the short term.
Choice
Earlier this window, PSV had already strengthened itself with the transfer-free goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who is also accompanied by the agency of the late Raiola. With the departure of Mario Götze to Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV can use a creative attacking midfielder. In addition to PSV and PSG, Simons can choose from a range of clubs. Bayer Leverkusen and his previous employer FC Barcelona are also associated with the midfielder.
PSV is working hard on the transfer market. The aforementioned Benitez, third goalkeeper Boy Waterman and Ki-Jana Hoever have already been signed. PSV also hopes to complete the arrival of Manchester City mercenary Savinho in the short term and is aiming for a return of striker Luuk de Jong in Eindhoven.
Derrick Luckassen (left) during PSV’s first training session.
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Derrick Luckassen
There is also a future for Derrick Luckassen at PSV. The 26-year-old defender gets a serious chance from Van Nistelrooy, the new head coach said after the 6-0 practice win over the German fifth division team BW Lohne. Luckassen was at the kick-off partly due to the absence of Jordan Teze and the injury of André Ramalho. Since he signed a contract with PSV in 2017, he has mainly been rented out. A few years ago he said that he would never play football for the Eindhoven club again.
“I know he once said that, but that’s it. He gets a real chance from me,” said Van Nistelrooy, who thought Luckassen was one of his better players in the first half. “He is also a pleasant guy to work with. If he takes his chance, he will stay and it can still be a finished product.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy along the line at PSV.
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Remarkable pronunciation
Van Nistelrooy made another remarkable statement. He expects Noni Madueke to remain free from muscle problems this season, as he did last season. “He came back very fit. It now concerns the working method on the physical level within PSV. If you work well with him on a structural basis, he can stay fit for a whole season.”
Madueke was the first player to be treated this season. After a few minutes he got a tap and the water sponge came in handy. But he was able to continue the match without any problems.
‘Fresh and sharp’
PSV missed its internationals and its Brazilians at the overture. Van Nistelrooy was especially satisfied with the PSV of the second half, which mainly consisted of players he had under his wing at Jong PSV last year. “I enjoyed putting pressure on it. A lot of work has gone into that. It looked fresh and sharp.”
The first week of training was one of emphasis. “An introduction week”, said Van Nistelrooy, who saw the intention of the intentions of football with and without the ball. PSV played in a 4-3-3 system with the point back. That is the way of playing that Van Nistelrooy would like to use. In the first half he chose the players of his A-selection. That led to Fredrik Oppegaard, normally left back, playing on the right wing.
The real PSV should take shape during the training camp from 4 July in Germany. Then the internationals are connected and Van Nistelrooy also hopes to have a new center striker. “That is the highest priority,” said the trainer, who would also like to have a creative midfielder.