The race for 21-year-old midfielder Xavi Simons is heating up, with Manchester United reportedly set to rival Manchester City for the talented Dutchman. Simons, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), could be on the move again after this season, sparking interest from several top European clubs.
DETAILS:
As the Manchester derby approaches this Sunday at the Etihad, there’s growing excitement not only about the action on the field but also off it, as both Manchester clubs are now reportedly in the hunt for Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons.
The young talent is currently on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), but reports suggest he will not be staying at either club beyond this season.
Despite battling an ankle injury since October, Simons has impressed when fit, scoring three goals and providing two assists in all competitions. This form has seen him attract interest from top clubs across Europe, with both Manchester United and Manchester City keeping a close eye on the midfielder.
City boss Pep Guardiola is known to be a long-time admirer of the 21-year-old, while Manchester United are now rumored to be plotting a move for the player as well. The two Manchester clubs could face off both in the derby and in the transfer market.
Simons has a history with elite European academies, having joined Barcelona’s youth system at a young age before moving to PSG in 2019. His lack of first-team appearances at PSG (just 11 so far) led him to pursue loan spells at PSV Eindhoven and now Leipzig, where he has developed into a promising young talent.
However, the battle for Simons isn’t limited to the two Manchester clubs. Reports suggest Barcelona are keen on bringing the midfielder back to his roots, while Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Inter Milan are also rumored to be interested in securing his signature.
Simons recently signed a contract extension with PSG in the summer, keeping him at the club until 2027, meaning any move for the midfielder would require significant financial backing. With his growing reputation, it’s expected that a bidding war will ensue come the summer transfer window.
QUOTES:
“Xavi Simons is one of the most exciting young talents in Europe, and it’s clear that multiple clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City, are keeping tabs on him,” an insider close to PSG stated.
“His performances have been impressive, even though he’s been sidelined with injury. A lot of top clubs are ready to pounce if he’s available,” a source from Leipzig added.
CITATIONS:
CaughtOffside, Transfermarkt, and Sky Sports have all covered the growing interest in Xavi Simons, with Manchester City and Manchester United both listed as key contenders.
KEEP IN MIND:
Simons’ potential move will be one to watch in the coming months, especially as he looks to secure more first-team minutes away from PSG. Both Manchester clubs have shown interest, but they will face stiff competition from European giants who will be looking to take advantage of his current situation.
