Manchester United looking to hijack move for Dutch star
Manchester United are looking to hijack Bayern Munich’s move for Paris Saint-Germain star Xavi Simons according to MailSport, who Football Park ranks as a tier three source.
After successful loan periods at both PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig, Simons impressed once more at this summer’s European Championships.
As a result, he has drawn interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs, with Manchester United reportedly interested. Despite it being rumoured that the player has already agreed terms with Bayern Munich, the Red Devils remain hopeful that they can sign the 21-year-old.
Erik ten Hag is thought to be an admirer of the PSG midfielder, whose versatility makes the thought of his signing a tantalising proposition.
Man United 'are looking to HIJACK Bayern Munich's move for PSG star Xavi Simons'... with the Red Devils also eyeing up a move for Dutchman's team-mate Manuel Ugarte https://t.co/PPNfBT4upV
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) July 19, 2024
Much like Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, Simons’ scary potential was realised at a very young age. At the age of seven, the Dutchman joined the famous La Masia academy and was one of the many shining stars that was rising through the prestigious system. Simons starred in multiple age ranks and was touted by many as the next big thing to come out of the Blaugrana. This trend escalated, and by the age of 14 he was an internet sensation.
In 2016, his journey with Barcelona came to an end after he failed to reach an agreement with the Spanish side. Following in the footsteps of his idol Neymar, the then 16-year-old joined PSG.
🔴🔵 @PSG_English have signed Barcelona wonder-kid Xavi Simons until 2022.
— COPA90 (@Copa90) July 24, 2019
Here he is being a little baller for La Masia 👀 pic.twitter.com/1gOFgnpTO7
However, it wasn’t until he signed on loan for Dutch side PSV in 2022 that Simons’ abundance of talent could be witnessed in senior football. During his time in Eindhoven, the midfielder contributed to an astonishing 27 league goals as PSV came up just short in the title race against Feyenoord.
Following an impressive campaign, many expected Simons to get a chance to impress in the PSG first team. However, he was once again loaned out last summer, moving to German side RB Leipzig. It was a different club, but it was the same result. The midfielder bagged eight Bundesliga goals and provided 11 assists as Marco Rose’s side secured UEFA Champions League qualification for the sixth consecutive season.
Only two players currently aged 21 or under have provided 10+ assists in Europe's top five leagues this season:
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 13, 2024
◉ Florian Wirtz (10)
◉ Xavi Simons (10)
The Bundesliga ballers. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/BE0eR9D0GA
This summer, Simons was also an integral part of the Netherlands’ run to the final four of the Euros. The 21-year-old contributed to three goals, including a stunning first-half strike in their agonising semi-final defeat to England.
Xavi Simons is the youngest ever player to score in a European Championship knockout round game for the Netherlands.
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 10, 2024
21 years and 80 days old. 👶#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/2GVkir4edk
Despite this, it is clear to see the talent that the Dutchman possesses, explaining the mass interest in him this summer. As well as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and most notably Bayern Munich are all interested in Simons, with the latter reportedly readying a £75 million bid for the youngster. However, as reported by MailSport, the Red Devils may have something to say about this and are looking to hijack the potential deal.
According to ‘L’Equipe’, FC Bayern is offering 90 million euros for Xavi Simons (21) to Paris Saint-Germain
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) July 18, 2024
❇️ Simons has a contract til 2027 at PSG
❇️ The Player informed the Club already that he don‘t want to Return to Paris
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