Manchester United’s pursuit of Dutch sensation Xavi Simons in the summer transfer window ended in disappointment. The 20-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for RB Leipzig, had emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils, but a deal never materialized. The failure to secure his signature is now being discussed as one of the missed opportunities for United, as Simons continues to make headlines in Germany.
A Rising Star
Simons’ rapid rise through European football has been nothing short of remarkable. After starting his career in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, the Dutch midfielder opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. At PSG, he struggled to break into the first team but displayed glimpses of his potential in limited appearances. Seeking regular playing time, Simons returned to the Eredivisie, signing with PSV Eindhoven in 2022. His performances in the Dutch league, where he played a starring role, caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs.
By the time the summer of 2023 rolled around, Simons had already established himself as a key player for both PSV and the Netherlands national team. His ability to control the midfield, combined with his creativity and technical prowess, made him one of the most sought-after talents in Europe. Manchester United were among the clubs closely monitoring his progress.
Leipzig Move Over United
Despite United’s interest, it was RB Leipzig who managed to secure Simons on a season-long loan from PSG, who had exercised a buyback clause in his PSV contract. The loan deal to Leipzig provided the young midfielder an opportunity to continue his development in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, the Bundesliga. So far, Simons has been thriving at Leipzig, with standout performances in both the league and European competitions.
For United, missing out on Simons is now being viewed as a significant setback. The club had been searching for reinforcements in midfield, and the Dutchman’s versatility could have been an ideal addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad. Simons is capable of playing in various roles, whether as a playmaker, a deep-lying midfielder, or even as a winger. His all-round game would have offered United more options and depth, especially in a season where they are competing on multiple fronts.
Why United Missed Out
There are a number of reasons why United were unable to bring Simons to Old Trafford. Firstly, the club’s focus during the summer was on other high-profile signings, particularly in the striker and goalkeeper positions. The arrivals of Rasmus Højlund and André Onana consumed a large portion of the club’s transfer budget and attention.
Additionally, RB Leipzig’s quick move to secure Simons also played a role. The German club’s established relationship with PSG, as well as their reputation for developing young talent, made them an appealing destination for the midfielder. It is believed that Simons was attracted to Leipzig’s project and the prospect of regular first-team football, something that may not have been guaranteed at United.
Furthermore, the player’s relationship with PSG meant that a loan deal to Leipzig was a smoother option for all parties involved. The French champions were keen to retain control over Simons’ future and viewed the loan to Leipzig as an ideal solution to keep him in competitive football while still being able to recall him in the future.
What This Means for United
United’s failure to land Simons will inevitably raise questions about their transfer strategy. With the club enduring a mixed start to the 2023-24 season, the need for midfield reinforcements has become increasingly apparent. While they did manage to sign Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina, many fans and pundits feel that Simons would have been a perfect fit for Ten Hag’s system, given the manager’s preference for high-energy, technically gifted players.
For Simons, the move to Leipzig appears to be paying off. He is already making a significant impact in Germany, with consistent performances and a growing reputation. United will undoubtedly keep an eye on his progress, but for now, the opportunity to bring him to Old Trafford has passed.
The Red Devils’ inability to secure Simons may not have immediate repercussions, but as the season progresses, the club could find themselves ruing what could have been had they managed to capture one of Europe’s brightest young talents. For now, it’s RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga who will benefit from his growing talents.
