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Manchester United look set to miss out on Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Xavi Simons, who has chosen to rejoin RB Leipzig instead.
Simons, who spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Leipzig has been mentioned to be on the radar of several elite clubs in Europe, with United among them.
At Leipzig, Simons notched an impressive 10 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. He picked up where he left off as he enjoyed a superb Euro 2024 with the Dutch team before their elimination at the hands of England in the tournament’s semi-final stage.
Earlier this month, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were “hot on the heels” of the Netherlands international as they aimed to beat the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Barcelona and Leipzig to his services.
It was subsequently pointed out that the Red Devils were working on a deal to lure the talismanic midfielder to Old Trafford ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season.
As time went by, it became increasingly clear that Leipzig and Bayern were ahead of United in the race for Simons. Leipzig grew in confidence that they would ward off stiff competition to land Simons and it seems that their positivity was not misplaced.
According to the reliable Florian Plettenberg, Simons is poised to carry on at the Red Bull Arena, effectively snubbing overtures from elsewhere.
The Sky Germany reporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Xavi Simons has decided to stay at RB Leipzig.”
“No transfer to FC Bayern. All parties involved are now informed about it. Therefore, Max Eberl now trying to sign Désiré Doué.”
“Leipzig and Paris are finalizing the last details for a new loan of Xavi now. New one-year-deal with RB will happen.”
🚨💥 Excl | #Xavi has decided to stay at RB Leipzig ✔️
No transfer to FC Bayern. All parties involved are now informed about it. Therefore, Max Eberl now trying to sign Désiré Doué.
Leipzig and Paris are finalizing the last details for a new loan of Xavi now. New one-year-deal… pic.twitter.com/PWogRcsuR3
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 29, 2024
Plettenberg’s information was corroborated by Ben Jacobs who divulged, “Xavi Simons has decided to return on loan to Leipzig. Always a strong possibility, as revealed in April. Deal not done yet, but now likely.”
“PSG always against a permanent sale. Straight loan expected to be finalised this week.”
Xavi Simons has decided to return on loan to Leipzig. Always a strong possibility, as revealed in April. Deal not done yet, but now likely. PSG always against a permanent sale. Straight loan expected to be finalised this week.⌛️ https://t.co/Qm2YY7OTGb
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 29, 2024
Meanwhile, United are still pursuing PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and are also understood to be keeping tabs on Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad and AS Monaco star Youssouf Fofana.
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