Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'were keen on signing Xavi Simons over summer'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 20 September 2023

Xavi Simons reportedly turned down the chance to move to Manchester United during the summer transfer window in favour of returning to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 20-year-old returned to PSG from PSV Eindhoven in the middle of July before making the move to Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.

Simons has been in impressive form for the German side this term, scoring three goals and registering four assists in six appearances in all competitions.

The Netherlands international has three goals and four assists in four Bundesliga outings, while he helped Leipzig record a 3-1 victory over Young Boys in their Champions League Group G opener.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said that Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag "was really keen" to sign Simons over the summer, with the English side "in pole position" at one stage.

PSV Eindhoven midfielder Xavi Simons in action in February 2023. © Reuters

However, PSG ultimately exercised a buy-back option, with the youngster returning to the French champions.

The attacker spent nine years in Barcelona's youth system before moving to PSG in 2019, eventually progressing to the first team in 2022, but he only made 11 appearances for the Ligue 1 side before departing.

Simons excelled for PSV during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 22 goals and registering 12 assists in 48 appearances, which led to a host of speculation surrounding his future.

"In the summer, Manchester United considered Xavi Simons as an option," Romano told the United Stand. "They had some calls. Erik ten Hag was really keen on (bringing) Xavi Simons to Manchester United, but then PSG triggered the buy-back clause they had in the contract with PSV Eindhoven.

Xavi Simons in action for Paris Saint-Germain in January 2022 © Reuters

"But in case the player was going to stay at PSV Eindhoven and had decided against (accepting PSG's offer), Man Utd were in pole position to bring Xavi Simons to Old Trafford this summer.

"For that buy-back clause, the player's position was crucial. It was Xavi Simons' (decision) to say; 'yes, okay I'm coming back to PSG'. Or; 'I'm not coming back. I'm staying here at PSV or joining another club.' In that case, in the second option, Man Utd were the big favourites."

Simons largely operates as a right-sided attacker, which has become a problematic position for Man United in the early stages of the campaign.

Antony, who is first choice in that area, is not currently available due to a personal issue, with the Brazilian dealing with allegations of abuse from his former girlfriend and one other woman.

Jadon Sancho, meanwhile, is not currently being considered for selection due to his high-profile falling-out with Ten Hag.