After being linked to a host of clubs, including Marseille and Everton, Moses Simon is now headed to Paris, if reports are to be believed.
Eminent French journalist Daniel Riolo, in a TV appearance on Monday, has confirmed that a deal for the Nigeria international to join newly promoted Paris FC is imminent. It would bring an end to a stellar five-year association between the winger and Nantes, with whom he has both won silverware and staved off the looming threat of relegation over and over.
Simon, 29, would represent a coup for Paris, who are looking to make a splash upon their return to Ligue 1 after a 46-year absence. Would it, however, make for a good move on the player’s part?
Moses Simon to Paris: The case against
The immediate fate of most newly promoted clubs is a return flight back down. It is not even just the financial disadvantage these sides often have in the top flight, it is also the technical and institutional know-how that is typically in short supply relative to other sides.
So, Moses Simon must know that, in joining Paris, the likeliest outcome is that, in 12 months, he will be playing in Ligue 2.
Considering that, at the start of the 2026/27 season, he will be 31, the prospect of landing on his feet by securing a move to another Ligue 1 side is also a slim one. It is not even outside the realm of possibility that he has a strong enough individual season to attract some interest; the issue is that, in addition to his age, Simon is carrying a significant amount of wear on his body, a fact which would only exacerbate the prior concern.
The extent and seriousness of the other suitors is unknown at this time, but if they are still at the negotiating table (especially Marseille), they might represent a better choice.
Moses Simon to Paris: The case for
Having spent half a decade there, there really is no new ground to cover at Nantes.
Paris FC, part owned by the fifth-richest man in the world Bernard Arnault and Red Bull, appear to have an ambitious project, and will no doubt offer Moses Simon a significant upgrade in wages (reportedly up to a 50% bump) and incentives.
Le cardio, la mentale, le boulot.
On s'attrape là-haut 🔝@ParisFC 🤝 @ninhosdt #CertifiésParisiens pic.twitter.com/FOIArzfN4l— adidas France (@adidasFR) May 2, 2025
There is also the fact that, while mooted Premier League interest is flattering, the former Gent man has made no secret of his desire to remain in France for citizenship purposes. And while that ordinarily should have pushed Marseille to the front of the queue, in addition to the money on offer at Paris, there is likely the promise of consistent game time.
Simon has previously cited this as crucial to his lengthy stay at Nantes, and so it is easy to see why, irrespective of the threat of relegation, Paris have won the day.
