Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United almost landed Xavi Simons from PSV in the recently culminated transfer window. A last-minute decision by Paris Saint-Germain ruined their plans of signing the player.
Manchester United Were in ‘Pole Position’ to Sign Xavi Simons
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Erik ten Hag Was Keen on Bringing the Player to Old Trafford
According to Romano, Manchester United narrowly missed out on signing the youngster in the summer transfer window. The club’s manager, Erik ten Hag was reportedly very keen on bringing the player to England.
The Dutch manager is well aware of the Netherlands transfer market and the players playing in the Dutch league, which is where Simons was plying his trade for PSV. The Italian journalist reported that there were contacts between the clubs for a potential transfer.
The 20-year-old is an extremely versatile player and plays primarily as a right-winger. He would have been crucial for the Red Devils given their current woes in that position. The La Masia graduate was sensational in his time in the Eredivisie, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 44 appearances.
Paris Saint-Germain Spoiled the Party for United
Simons was signed by Eindhoven from the Parisians in the summer of 2022. The Ligue 1 side incorporated a buy-back clause in the deal with the Netherlands-based club. They triggered this £5.2 million clause just as United were closing in on the player, thus ending any hopes the Premier League side had of signing the player.
According to reports, the player’s position was absolutely crucial in this situation. It was up to the talented attacker to decide whether he wanted to go back to the French capital or stay with PSV and move elsewhere. The “generational talent” was reportedly impressed with the French side’s project and wanted to be a part of their future.
The reigning Ligue 1 champions eventually sent him on a season-long loan to German side, RB Leipzig.
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