If Manchester City can’t sign Florian Wirtz one player stands out as an alternative | OneFootball

With Kevin De Bruyne having announced that he is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the 24/25 season Pep Guardiola’s squad is in desperate need of creativity in midfield. This was a need that had to be addressed irrespective of De Bruyne’s decision. One player has always loomed at City’s number-one target for that role. That is Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz.

But if City can’t land Florian Wirtz this summer there is one player who stands out as an alternative. That is RB Leipzig’s Dutch international Xavi Simons. His performance during RB Leipzig’s 3-2 win over Wolfsburg last weekend showed exactly what he could add to Pep Guardiola’s squad. The Dutch international scored a brace in RB Leipzig’s crucial win. But it was his movement in the pockets and ability on the ball that showed why he’d add what City currently lack to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Xavi Simons’ performance against Wolfsburg showed how he could fit into Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Xavi Simons was the stand-out performer for RB Leipzig last weekend. Both of his goals were exquisite finishes and they alone perfectly encapsulated his quality as a player. But more than that his poise and quality in possession stood out alongside his goals. The Dutch international linked up play superbly for RB Leipzig and his ability to play in the pockets as a number ten and drift all over the pitch caught the eye. He also won his share of duels in a brilliant individual display. Watching him play for RB Leipzig against Wolfsburg you could see how he’d fit into Pep Guardiola’s squad if he was a player Manchester City decided to pursue this summer.

Manchester City have watched Xavi Simons for some time, and he appears to be the standout alternative to Florian Wirtz.

The Daily Mail has reported that Manchester City have consistently watched Xavi Simons this season. Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester United also have an interest in signing the Dutch international as per the Daily Mail’s report.

But if Manchester City can’t sign Florian Wirtz this summer Xavi Simons should be a player they move for. He has everything City need to add more creativity to their squad. During his time at the Barcelona academy, he learned the positional play required to play in a Pep Guardiola side. He also has further developed as a player during his time at RB Leipzig. Xavi Simons looks ready for a big move and you do sense that he may well get that move this summer.

All indications are that Manchester City are in the chase for Florian Wirtz up to their eyeballs. But if Wirtz decides that he doesn’t want to move to the Etihad City should move for Xavi Simons. His performance on the weekend further illustrated why he’s so highly rated and sought after. It also provided a glimpse of how he could fit into Pep Guardiola’s squad based on where he played and how well he performed.