Manchester United are reportedly preparing a significant move for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons

Manchester United are reportedly gearing up for a major move to sign RB Leipzig’s talented Dutch attacker, Xavi Simons. The 21-year-old, valued at around €80 million, recently completed a permanent transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Leipzig on January 30, 2025. However, despite this fresh commitment, speculation surrounding his future continues to grow.

Renowned football journalists, including Fabrizio Romano and Christian Falk of BILD, suggest that Simons could be on the move again as early as the upcoming summer transfer window. Romano highlighted the relatively short duration of Simons’ contract with Leipzig, which runs until June 2027, and noted that several Premier League clubs are closely monitoring his situation. While he refrained from naming specific teams, he confirmed that top English sides have sent scouts to assess Simons’ performances.

Christian Falk provided more detailed insight, revealing that Leipzig would be open to negotiating a transfer if an offer in the range of €70 million to €80 million arrives. Among the clubs expressing strong interest are Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City, setting the stage for a potential bidding war among England’s top teams.

Simons’ versatility makes him an attractive prospect. While he primarily thrives as a central attacking midfielder or No. 10, he is equally effective when deployed on the left wing. At Manchester United, under manager Ruben Amorim, he could fit seamlessly into a 3-4-2-1 formation, occupying one of the two advanced midfield roles behind the striker. With club captain Bruno Fernandes occasionally playing deeper in midfield, there could be room for Simons to take on a creative role in the attack.

Liverpool, under new boss Arne Slot, have also shown interest, with Slot favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation. In this setup, Simons could thrive in the No. 10 role, potentially providing an upgrade over current options like Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones. His technical ability and vision could significantly enhance Liverpool’s attacking fluidity.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s interest in Simons could be linked to the future of Kevin De Bruyne. With the Belgian playmaker’s contract set to expire at the end of the season and speculation linking him with a move to Major League Soccer, City may view Simons as a long-term successor. His ability to operate in multiple attacking roles would provide Pep Guardiola with additional tactical flexibility.

One potential complication in Simons’ transfer saga is the involvement of Jürgen Klopp, who now serves as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull. While his primary responsibility is to act in Red Bull’s best interests, his past ties to Liverpool could give the Merseyside club an edge in negotiations should a move for Simons materialize.

Beyond their pursuit of Simons, Manchester United are also active in other transfer dealings. Reports indicate that they are attempting to hijack Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Bayern Munich’s young striker Mathys Tel. Despite Bayern and Spurs agreeing on a €60 million deal, Tel has yet to finalize personal terms, and United are reportedly preparing a loan offer that would allow him to return to Bayern in the summer. It is believed that Tel favors a switch to Old Trafford over other options.

Additionally, speculation continues to swirl around the future of United’s experienced midfielder Casemiro. Reports from Sky Germany suggest that a last-minute departure for the Brazilian remains a possibility, with interest from Saudi Arabian clubs as well as AS Roma in Serie A. Casemiro is reportedly open to a move to Roma, though a potential deal hinges on Leandro Paredes leaving the Italian side, with Boca Juniors emerging as a possible destination for him.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the race for Xavi Simons is expected to be one of the most intriguing storylines. With Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City all eager to bolster their squads, securing Simons’ signature could have a major impact on their ambitions for the upcoming season.

For United, his arrival would align with Ruben Amorim’s vision of injecting dynamic and creative talent into the squad. Their proactive approach in the market, exemplified by their interest in players like Mathys Tel, highlights their commitment to assembling a team capable of challenging for major honors.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Simons reflects their ongoing squad evolution under Arne Slot, as they look to revamp their attacking options. His addition could provide the creative spark they need to compete at the highest level.

For Manchester City, Simons could be a crucial piece in their long-term planning, especially with uncertainty surrounding De Bruyne’s future. His ability to seamlessly adapt to different attacking roles makes him a strong fit for Guardiola’s ever-evolving tactical system.

Ultimately, Simons’ next move is set to be a key narrative in the coming months, with his decision potentially shaping the balance of power in both the Premier League and European football.