RB Leipzig Star’s €50m+ Price Tag Poses Challenge for Manchester United’s Summer Plans | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Pursuit of Xavi Simons Faces Major Obstacles This Summer

Manchester United have reportedly shown interest in RB Leipzig’s 21-year-old attacking midfielder, Xavi Simons. However, despite the growing admiration for the Dutch international, the likelihood of a deal materialising this summer is fraught with obstacles. With his standout performances at Leipzig, where he has netted eight goals and provided five assists in 25 appearances this season, Simons has attracted attention from top European clubs. However, United’s pursuit of the midfielder may face some significant hurdles, notably his hefty price tag and the club’s financial priorities.

Simons’ Move to Leipzig and Price Tag Complications

Simons’ journey through European football has been anything but straightforward. After a move to Paris Saint-Germain from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, the Dutchman found himself on loan at RB Leipzig, where his performances eventually led to a permanent transfer earlier this year. Leipzig secured Simons for a fixed fee of €50m, with the potential to rise to €80m depending on add-ons, which is a substantial fee for a player who is still finding his feet at the highest level.

As TEAMtalk reports, “Simons’ contract with Leipzig is valid until 2027, so the German side are in a relatively strong negotiating position.” Leipzig is in no rush to sell, especially with a contract that runs until 2027, meaning they are likely to demand a significant sum if they decide to part ways with their prized asset. As the article notes, “There is a real chance Simons will be sold this summer, but Leipzig will expect significantly more than the fixed €50m for him, which is the first big obstacle to Man Utd signing him.”

Manchester United’s Financial Position and Priorities

While Manchester United’s interest in Simons is clear, their ability to meet Leipzig’s demands is questionable given the club’s current financial situation. TEAMtalk understands that United are “in a tight PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules) position,” meaning they must carefully balance their spending, prioritising a new striker over any potential deals for midfielders. This financial strain has complicated their plans for the summer, making it “unlikely we see them pay €50m+ for Simons, at least not without significant outgoings first.”

Simons’ €50m+ price tag is a considerable hurdle for United, especially with other pressing priorities. As it stands, United’s top focus for the summer is signing a new number nine, and the club is actively considering strikers like Dusan Vlahovic, Victor Osimhen, and Benjamin Sesko, as well as exploring potential loan deals and sales. Given these priorities, it would be difficult for United to allocate significant funds for Simons unless they can offload several players to balance their books.

What Does Simons’ Future Hold?

Although Manchester United’s pursuit of Simons is currently on the backburner, the midfielder’s future is likely to be one of the transfer sagas of the summer. With Leipzig’s strong negotiating position, other clubs are also monitoring the situation, and it could take as much as €80m to prise Simons away from the German club, depending on how many bonuses have been paid to PSG. If United can free up sufficient funds through player sales, there is still a chance that Simons could join Old Trafford, but the Red Devils will face stiff competition from other Premier League and European clubs.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

United’s interest in Xavi Simons is a welcome sign that the club is looking to strengthen in key areas. However, given the financial constraints and the club’s primary focus on signing a striker, fans might be divided on whether Simons should be a priority this summer. While Simons’ talent is undeniable, the €50m+ price tag, potentially rising to €80m with add-ons, makes him an expensive acquisition for a player still relatively young and unproven in the Premier League.

For United, signing a new striker remains paramount, as the club needs to address the lack of goals in their attack. With targets like Vlahovic and Osimhen on the radar, the focus on a number nine makes sense. However, if the club can offload players such as Marcus Rashford or Victor Lindelof, it could free up the necessary funds to bring in someone like Simons, who would undoubtedly strengthen the midfield and offer creative spark.

Overall, while Simons is an exciting prospect, Manchester United’s immediate priorities lie elsewhere. It will be interesting to see whether the club is able to secure the funds needed for such a deal, or if they will be forced to focus on more pressing matters, such as signing a top-class striker to lead the line next season.