Could a Dutch wonderkid be a potential transfer target for Manchester City this summer? | OneFootball

Manchester City is reportedly set for a busy summer transfer window. There has been no shortage of players linked with potential moves to the world champions this summer. One such player who has been linked with a potential move to Manchester City is PSG midfielder Xavi Simons. A new report has linked the Dutch wonderkid with a potential move to the Etihad this summer. Is that a realistic possibility, and what could he potentially add to Pep Guardiola’s squad?

Graeme Bailey has reported for hitc.com that Manchester City has identified Xavi Simons and Dani Olmo as potential transfer targets this summer. Furthermore, Bailey reports that Manchester City have withdrawn their interest in West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian international was charged with allegedly breaching betting rules by the FA yesterday. Due to Paqueta’s betting charges yesterday, Bailey reports that Xavi Simons and Dani Olmo are potentially two players Manchester City could move for this summer.

What could Xavi Simons potentially bring to the Etihad if Manchester City did move for the Dutch wonderkid?

Xavi Simons spent this season on loan at RB Leipzig. In 43 appearances in all competitions, he scored 10 goals and added 15 assists. They are impressive numbers, especially for a player that is only 21 years of age. He became a key player for RB Leipzig this season after arriving on loan from PSG last summer.

As per transfermarkt.com, Simons played primarily out wide for RB Leipzig this season. He alternated on both wings, starting more often on the left wing. He also featured twice as an attacking midfielder. That obvious versatility in his game could see him find a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad. It is a key attribute in the Manchester City squad for any of their players who feature in attacking roles. Players such as Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva can play in a variety of roles. Xavi Simons appears to have a similar trait.

But versatility isn’t the only strength of Xabi Simons’ game. Across this season for RB Leipzig his dribbling ability, vision, finishing, speed and composure have been standout attributes. As a player who came up through the youth system at Barcelona he is clearly a technically gifted player. His obvious strengths are those of any player who has come up through the famed Barcelona system. His game appears ideally suited to a potential role in a team built on technical ability like Manchester City.

Xavi Simons looks like a player who could thrive at the Etihad but is it a potential move for Manchester City this summer?

There is no doubt that Xavi Simons has the talent and potential to succeed at a bigger club than RB Leipzig. His pedigree is such that he appears ideally suited to life at a big club. There is, however, an issue if Manchester City did decide to try and buy the Dutch wonderkid this summer.

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo indicates that PSG has no intention to sell Xavi Simons this summer. They are likely to only sanction a loan deal for the talented young playmaker this summer. If that proves to be the case it remains to be seen if Manchester City would sign a loan deal for Simons. That question may only be answered if City did attempt to pursue a deal for the young playmaker.

As a player Xavi Simons ticks a lot of boxes as a potential signing for Manchester City. However, it does appear that he may be a player that City admire rather than move for based on the reported stance of PSG on the youngsters future.