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Manchester United transfer target Xavi Simons appears to have decided which club he would like to play for next season.
Simons has long been linked to Man United, with Erik ten Hag openly expressing his admiration for the Dutch forward, particularly after his impressive showing at Euro 2024 as the Netherlands reached the semi-final where they fell to England.
“I enjoyed Xavi Simons in that game (against England). The drive he has, the passion with which he conquers balls and recognises situations are top,” Ten Hag stated. “His enormous drive as well. That is almost un-Dutch. I think you can see that he was trained abroad. He almost has a southern European doggedness in his game.”
Earlier this month, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed that United were set to face stiff competition in their pursuit of Simons in the form of Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. The journalist added that the two German sides were the favourites to sign him, while United were in with just an outside chance.
A few days later, it was revealed that United were not backing down from their pursuit of the 21 year old, with the club reportedly formulating a deal for the player.
However, suggestions of another loan for Simons have refused to be quashed as it has emerged that it is something his parent club PSG may be more keen on.
The reason why a loan works better for PSG has now been explained by Sport Bild.
“Because of the complicated contractual network, PSV Eindhoven would also earn money from a transfer this summer, only a loan is possible until January,” the outlet explains.
This is perhaps why RB Leipzig, who have always wanted a loan, are becoming increasingly confident that they can convince Simons to return to the club, especially given the career breakthrough he enjoyed over the past campaign.
And it appears that Simons may have already made up his mind about the club he would like to join this summer.
The German outlet claims that the Dutch star is still active in several RB Leipzig WhatsApp groups despite his loan lapsing. Furthermore, he still chats with former Leipzig teammates Benjamin Sesko, Loïs Openda, Amadou Haidara, and Benjamin Henrichs.
“The French are now saying that Paris could well come to the conclusion that they want to keep Xavi if he fits in with the squad’s future planning,” the report continues.
“But the Dutchman doesn’t want that because he wants to go somewhere where he is guaranteed a regular place. So far, that has mainly been Leipzig.
“And that’s why Xavi is pushing for a quick decision in Paris despite his vacation.”
Romano has corroborated much of the Sport Bild report, saying in his Daily Briefing this morning:
“Leipzig are increasingly confident and almost convinced that Simons will be their player next season after increasingly positive contacts between Leipzig and the player’s representatives. Paris Saint-Germain are also aware of the player’s decision, with Leipzig the big favourites.”
It’s quite possible that United would also be open to a loan deal, but convincing the player to come to Old Trafford may be difficult if his objective is guaranteed first team football.
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