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EPL Index
·20 July 2024
Report: Man Utd’s Bold Move for Euro 2024 Star in the Works
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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·20 July 2024
Manchester United, under the strategic guidance of their new assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, are making significant moves in the transfer market. One of the most exciting prospects they are currently targeting is Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) starlet, who shone brightly at Euro 2024, has captured the attention of numerous European giants. As reported by Harry Watkinson in Teamtalk, United have begun ‘working on a deal’ to secure Simons’ services, marking a potentially transformative addition to their squad.
Photo IMAGO
Simons, at just 21 years old, has already built an impressive resume. Last season, on loan at RB Leipzig, he delivered a stunning performance with 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances. This prolific output demonstrates his capability to influence games significantly, making him an attractive prospect for any top-tier club.
Van Nistelrooy’s admiration for Simons is well-documented, having managed him at PSV Eindhoven. His influence seems to have played a crucial role in pushing Manchester United to pursue the young talent. According to L’Equipe, the Red Devils have started negotiations, with Simons valued at a hefty £70 million.
Securing Simons’ signature won’t be straightforward. Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are reportedly leading the race for the Dutch midfielder, with personal terms already agreed upon with Bayern. However, PSG anticipates a bidding war, expecting ‘European powerhouses’ to vie for Simons’ services.
Despite these challenges, Manchester United’s interest remains strong. Sporting director Dan Ashworth is also keenly working to finalize deals, including that of Manuel Ugarte, another midfield target who has already agreed to personal terms with United. The potential addition of both Ugarte and Simons could significantly bolster United’s midfield depth and creativity.
Photo: IMAGO
Bruno Fernandes currently holds the attacking midfielder role at Old Trafford. However, there have been murmurs about his potential departure. Fernandes has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad showing interest. The Portuguese international has been granted permission to discuss terms with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), although no formal bids have emerged yet.
If Fernandes were to leave, Simons could seamlessly step into the attacking midfielder slot, bringing his dynamic style and creative flair to United’s play. Even if Fernandes stays, Simons’ versatility and skill set would provide valuable options for manager Erik ten Hag.
Meeting Simons’ £70 million price tag is a significant financial commitment. To facilitate this, Manchester United might need to offload some players. This strategy aligns with their recent transfer activities, as they look to balance the squad’s quality and financial health.
In conclusion, Xavi Simons represents an exciting potential addition to Manchester United. His youth, talent, and proven track record make him a prime candidate to enhance United’s squad. As the transfer window progresses, it will be intriguing to see how negotiations unfold and whether United can outmaneuver their European rivals to secure his signature.
From the perspective of a Manchester United supporter, the prospect of signing Xavi Simons is thrilling. Simons is a player who not only brings immediate quality but also represents a long-term investment in the team’s future. His performances at RB Leipzig and Euro 2024 have shown that he can compete at the highest level, and his potential move to Old Trafford could signal a new era of attacking prowess for the Red Devils.
Simons’ ability to score and assist equally makes him a perfect fit for United’s attacking philosophy. His arrival would add depth and competition to the midfield, ensuring that the team remains competitive across all fronts. Fans would undoubtedly be excited about the dynamic link-up play that could emerge between Simons and other key attackers like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
Moreover, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s involvement in the transfer process brings a sense of nostalgia and trust. As a club legend, his endorsement of Simons carries significant weight, and supporters would be eager to see the young Dutchman follow in the footsteps of past greats.
Financially, the £70 million fee is substantial, but it’s a necessary investment for a player of Simons’ calibre. If it means offloading fringe players to make space, it would likely be seen as a worthwhile sacrifice. The ambition shown by targeting such high-profile talents reinforces the club’s commitment to returning to the pinnacle of English and European football.
In conclusion, Simons joining Manchester United would be a statement of intent. It would show that the club is serious about building a team capable of challenging for top honours. For the fans, it’s an exciting time filled with hope and anticipation for what the future holds.