Man United are very interested in signing Xavi Simons in the summer but face a “problem” in doing the deal, whilst Man City are also keen on the Dutch midfielder.
Following news of Kevin De Bruyne’s planned departure from Man City this summer, a gaping hole will be left in the Sky Blues’ midfield group.
The creator-in-chief for a decade, the Belgian’s absence for large portions of this season due to injury has impeded Pep Guardiola’s side’s creativity.
Florian Wirtz has been touted as an option this summer, but City face competition from Real Madrid for the German’s signature.
Speaking on the Transfers Podcast, journalist Duncan Castles revealed both the Sky Blues and the Red Devils are interested in RB Leipzig’s Simons this summer, but the latter might struggle to do a deal.
Man City eye Xavi Simons as Kevin De Bruyne replacement
The journalist revealed that City view Simons as a potential replacement for De Bruyne this summer when the Belgian leaves, Castles said (17 April, 37.41mins):
“My guidance is that Manchester City have him on a potential recruitment list to replace Kevin De Bruyne, who last week announced he was leaving at the end of his contract.
The 21-year-old offers a fantastic passing range, and his role in Leipzig’s side means that he offers a considerable goal-threat.
Whilst Erling Haaland has scored 21 goals in the Premier League this season, Phil Foden is the next highest goal-getter for the Sky Blues, with just seven.
Man United need Europa League win to sign Xavi Simons
Meanwhile, United are very interested in Simons, but their precarious financial position is making it difficult to finance a deal for the attacking midfielder, as Castles explained:
“Manchester United are also very interested in Simons, but their problem is they don’t have much money to play with, certainly not the amount that Leipzig are looking at as a sell fee, so they will need to win the Europa League, and qualify for the Champions League to afford such a deal.”
Following one of the most remarkable European fight backs ever seen, Man United edged their way through to the semi-finals of the Europa League against Lyon.
Simons would represent a huge upgrade on the attacking options available to Ruben Amorim, slotting neatly into one of the attacking-midfield positions in the 3-4-2-1 system the Portuguese manager employs.
Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a Man United exit this summer, and the pure profit recouped from his sale could be used in conjunction with the Champions League financial boost to make an offer for the Dutchman.
Man City and Man United face challenge from Liverpool for Xavi Simons
Football Insider Verdict
Whilst both Manchester clubs are interested in the young star, Liverpool will be an enticing option for Simons.
A strong Dutch presence, including Arne Slot, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and captain Virgil van Dijk will make assimilating to life in England a lot easier for the Leipzig man.
What’s more, both Manchester clubs are in a state of turmoil, City have been in free fall and facing the prospect of a huge overhaul this summer, whilst United’s woes are well documented.
Whilst Simons would have no issues slotting into any of the aforementioned sides, his ability to play on both the left and right wing, whilst being most comfortable as an offensive midfielder, lends itself to Slots’ system.
A departure from Germany seems close to inevitable at this point, but with so many suitors, the Dutchman can afford to take his time in choosing his ideal destination this summer.
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