“We almost signed before the Euros because we wanted him to be a backup for Bruno Fernandes also because we love the way he plays. But Bruno might not be happy with that deal. We might risk losing Bruno Fernandes because of him but everybody at the club wants the Dutch Euros Best player this year”- Erik ten Hag has already made his feelings clear on Manchester United signing Xavi Simons this summer as he explains why they have never signed him yet. But wait, there’s more to this bombshell move than meets the eye! 😳
Manchester United is eyeing a loan deal for Dutch forward Xavi Simons, with manager Erik ten Hag expressing favorable opinions about the PSG player.
This summer’s transfer window is the first under the new minority ownership of INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who now holds over 25% of the club and is in charge of transfers and football operations following a takeover earlier this year. This change in ownership has brought a new outlook to the club’s transfer strategies.
Despite winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City, there were doubts about Ten Hag’s future due to United’s poor eighth-place finish in the Premier League, their worst in the Premier League era. However, after a strategic review, the club decided to keep Ten Hag, extending his contract until summer 2026. This decision has provided stability, allowing a focus on strengthening the squad.
United has already made progress in the transfer market. Striker Joshua Zirkzee completed a medical after the club agreed on a £33.7 million fee with Bologna, marking him as the first summer signing. Personal terms have also been agreed with Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, with the German club seeking around £42 million for the center-half.
Xavi Simons, who scored for the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final loss to England, is another target. United is considering a loan move for Simons, with PSG open to the idea if there is an obligation to buy next summer. This could give United a valuable attacking option and provide Simons a stage to shine in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag has praised Simons, particularly his performance against England. Ten Hag said, “I enjoyed Xavi Simons in that game. The drive he has, the passion with which he conquers balls and recognizes situations are top. His enormous drive as well. That is almost un-Dutch. I think you can see that he was trained abroad. He almost has a southern European doggedness in his game.” These comments highlight Ten Hag’s belief in Simons’ potential and fit for Manchester United’s play style.
Simons developed at Barcelona’s youth academy before moving to PSG in 2019 and spending last season on loan at RB Leipzig. His versatility, technical skills, and competitive nature make him a promising candidate for United’s squad. This potential move fits with the club’s strategy to bring in young, talented players who can have an immediate and long-term impact.
As the transfer window continues, Manchester United’s active efforts to bolster their squad are evident. The club’s signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, along with the potential addition of Xavi Simons, show a clear intent to build a competitive team for the upcoming season. Fans eagerly await official announcements and are excited to see how these new players will fit into Ten Hag’s plans.
