Christian Falk claimed that Manchester United are interested in a summer move for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team are trying to attract the best young players to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad.
In January, United made two signings with limited financial resources. Patrick Dorgu arrived from Lecce and Ayden Heaven, a graduate from Arsenal’s academy, joined the defensive ranks.
This shows United are slowly but surely continuing to strengthen key positions, which they did in the summer by beating Real Madrid in the race to sign Leny Yoro from Lille.
United will hope to strengthen again in the summer, even though it’s likely that we’ll miss out on Champions League qualification again.
Manchester United transfer stance on Xavi Simons
In his latest column, German journalist Christian Falk provided an important update on the future of Dutch prospect Xavi Simons.
Simons, 21, would be a versatile attacking option for any top team.
However, Leipzig recently activated their option to make their loan deal with Paris Saint-Germain permanent for €50 million (£41.7m).
There is still a chance Simons will get his big move to the Premier League later this year.
Falk has talked up the possibility of a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ or secret release clause helping Simons to leave Leipzig this summer.
One of the clubs mentioned is Manchester United along with Liverpool and Manchester City.
There is belief that Simons’ value could rise to €80m (£66.7m) which would represent significant profit for Leipzig.
“It’s looking likely that Leipzig will sell Xavi Simons in the summer transfer window,” Falk explained via CaughtOffside.
“It was a little bit surprising that Leipzig committed to a permanent deal with Simons. At the beginning, they didn’t think they’d get this chance, but they did it for €50m, which isn’t a lot for this kind of player. His contract, of course, isn’t that long, running just until 2027.
“So, you see, his stock is rising! Leipzig are thinking they have signed a player for €50m who has the potential to be an €80m (£66.7m / $82.7m) player, so they could earn a lot of money on a potential sale. I’m sure there’s a gentleman’s agreement or a release clause, which would see Simons sold in the summer.
“Liverpool are interested, as are Manchester City and Manchester United. Xavi Simons won’t stay at Leipzig for his whole career – but everyone already knows that! Leipzig had the chance because PSG were happy to sell as they can’t loan so many players in Europe (they’re only allowed six).”
Xavi Simons stats for RB Leipzig
Simons has already enjoyed an impressive career for his age.
The young playmaker joined Leipzig on loan for the 2023/24 season, providing 21 goal contributions.
Simons returned again on loan in the summer, but he committed his long-term future to the Bundesliga side by signing a new deal at the end of January.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 61 | 15 | 19 |
It was the third most expensive deal completed in the winter transfer window following Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s move to PSG and Man City’s acquisition of Omar Marmoush.
Simons has a high ceiling to become one of the best players in Europe, which is why it makes sense that he would be a target for United.
Only time will tell if Simons will be joining United’s first-team squad.
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