RB Leipzig’s defender Mohamed Simakan (24) is at the center of a controversy in his parents’ homeland, Guinea. The player is hesitant to represent the Guinea national team as he hopes for a call-up from the French national team, of which he is also eligible due to being born in Marseille. Guinea’s national coach Kaba Diawara (48) expressed frustration, stating that he cannot chase a player who is not willing to represent his own country.
Simakan’s agent, Mohamed Guirassy, defended his client against the criticism, emphasizing that Simakan has always been honest and clear about his intentions. The player has a long-held dream of playing for France, but was not included in the squad for the Euros. Despite this, he reportedly declined the call-up for Guinea’s upcoming matches. Simakan and his representatives are exploring opportunities at clubs like Tottenham and Newcastle to enhance his chances of catching the eye of French national team coach Didier Deschamps.
RB Leipzig is currently in talks with Paris Saint-Germain regarding another loan deal for Xavi Simons (21). There have been discussions about a potential sale of Simons for around €60 million, with PSG reportedly only willing to pay half of Simakan’s €70 million release clause. This situation has raised speculations about the possibility of a swap deal involving Simakan and Simons. However, Leipzig is reluctant to let go of the versatile defender.
