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Manchester United have reportedly joined Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Euro 2024 star Xavi Simons. The young forward excelled for the Netherlands at the European Championships in Germany.
L'Equipe reports that the Red Devils are pursuing Simons as INEOS continue their major overhaul of Erik ten Hag's squad. His Dutch teammate Joshua Zirkzee and French defensive wonderkid Leny Yoro signed with the club.
Simons is on several European giants' radars after a superb season on loan at Leipzig and an impressive Euro 2024 campaign. He posted 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 games across competitions for the Bundesliga side.
The 20-cap Netherlands international bagged one goal and three assists in six games during the Euros. He scored a stunning opener in his nation's 2-1 loss to England in the semifinals.
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Bayern and Leipzig are viewed as frontrunners to sign Simons, and both inquired about his availability last season. He's expected to leave PSG this summer, and he's already agreed on personal terms with the Bavarians, per Sky Sports Germany.
However, Manchester United appear to have come into the equation, and they are proving a handful for Europe's big guns this summer. They captured Yoro, 18, despite his initial preference being a move to Real Madrid, who seemingly has no Plan B.
The Red Devils are reportedly working on a deal to sign Simons for a year. There is expected to be a bidding war for the PSG youngster, whose stock continues to grow.
"Very complete" - Ruud van Nistelrooy can tell Manchester United what to expect from Xavi Simons
Simons spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at PSV Eindhoven, where he caught the eye in the Eredivisie. He posted 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games across competitions, displaying his versatility as a winger and an attacking midfielder.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was Simons' manager at PSV and managed to get the best out of the excited forward. He spoke glowingly of his former player in May and his insight tells Manchester United what he brings to the table (via Marca):
"He (Simons) has character, he is professional, he is focused on getting the most out of his potential. And then he has quality, he is very complete, he knows how to do many things well. He can dribble, he scores goals, he is great in transitions, he plays in small spaces. I see him as very complete."
If Simons moves to Manchester United this summer, he will be reunited with Van Nistelrooy. The Dutch coach has joined Ten Hag's backroom staff as an assistant manager.
