Man City Want to ‘Hijack’ Chelsea’s Move for £70m Bundesliga Star | OneFootball

Manchester City Eye Xavi Simons in Potential Transfer Hijack

Manchester City are considering a move for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, a development that could derail Chelsea’s pursuit of the Dutch star. According to reports, negotiations between Chelsea and Leipzig have slowed, creating an opening for City to make their move.

Simons has been clear in his desire to leave Leipzig after their seventh-place Bundesliga finish left them without European football. Benjamin Sesko has already departed for Manchester United in a £74million deal, and Simons could soon follow him to the Premier League.

Chelsea had agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old, who can play as a No 10 or on either wing, but their reluctance to meet Leipzig’s £60million asking price has stalled progress. The Blues are understood to prefer a £50million deal, while Leipzig remain firm on their valuation.

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Guardiola’s Interest in Simons

City’s growing interest comes amid squad changes. Jack Grealish has joined Everton on loan with a £50million buy option, while James McAtee and Savinho could also depart. Nottingham Forest are close to signing McAtee, and Tottenham remain in talks for Savinho following a rejected £43million bid.

“Simons ‘appeals’ to Pep Guardiola as he is versatile and can thrive in a number of different positions. He could provide Jeremy Doku with competition on the left flank or help out the likes of Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush and Phil Foden in the No 10 role following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne,” TEAMtalk reported. “City’s interest in Simons first emerged on Monday and it now seems they are firmly considering a move.”

Chelsea’s Risk of Losing Priority Target

Chelsea have been exploring creative solutions to bring Simons to Stamford Bridge, including offering Christopher Nkunku or Tyrique George in part-exchange, but talks with Leipzig are ongoing. Enzo Maresca, who previously worked alongside Guardiola at City, will be frustrated if his former club succeeds in landing the player.

City’s move would add another layer to the rivalry between the two clubs, with the champions not only strengthening their squad but also weakening a potential challenger.

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Potential Role at the Etihad

If signed, Simons would give Guardiola further tactical flexibility. His ability to operate across the forward line or in midfield makes him an ideal candidate for a squad that thrives on positional interchange. Replacing the creativity lost with De Bruyne’s departure will be essential, and Simons could be part of that solution alongside other targets such as Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

With the transfer window still open and City monitoring multiple options, the coming weeks will be decisive in shaping their attacking unit for the season ahead.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester City fans, the potential signing of Xavi Simons would be both exciting and strategic. Losing a figure like Kevin De Bruyne leaves a huge creative void, and while no single player can replicate his influence, adding someone with Simons’ versatility and technical ability would be a step in the right direction.

Pep Guardiola values players who can adapt to different roles, and Simons’ capacity to contribute both wide and centrally fits perfectly into City’s fluid system. His work rate, vision, and flair could make him a dangerous option whether linking play in the No 10 position or stretching defences from the wing.

Beating Chelsea to his signature would also carry symbolic value, demonstrating that City remain the most attractive destination for Europe’s rising stars. The price tag is significant, but considering his age and potential, it is an investment in both the present and the future.

For supporters, the thought of a front line involving Simons, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland is mouth-watering. If City can secure this deal and possibly bring in Rodrygo too, they will be well-positioned to dominate domestically and compete strongly in Europe once again.