United Pull Out of Race for RB Leipzig Star as €80m Price Tag Proves Too High | OneFootball

Manchester United Drop Interest in Xavi Simons Due to €80m Price Tag

Manchester United’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons has reportedly come to a halt due to the hefty €80 million asking price set by the Bundesliga club. The Netherlands international, a rising star who joined Leipzig permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2024, has impressed during his time in Germany, but the financial demands are too much for United to entertain this summer.

Simons’ Impact at Leipzig

Xavi Simons has quickly established himself as a key player for RB Leipzig, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in 25 appearances across all competitions this season. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with many top European clubs, including Arsenal and Bayern Munich, said to be keeping a close eye on him. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has surged to €69.9 million, reflecting his growing stature in the footballing world.

Photo: IMAGO

However, GiveMeSport reports that despite Simons’ impressive form, Manchester United’s interest is no longer a viable option due to the €80 million valuation. Ruben Amorim’s side, who had been interested in bringing Simons to Old Trafford, are reportedly hampered by financial constraints, leaving them unable to meet Leipzig’s asking price. The Red Devils are prioritising other areas of the squad and have instead shifted focus elsewhere.

Simons’ Future at Leipzig

Simons’ contract with RB Leipzig runs until 2027, and despite the speculation surrounding his future, the club could be in a position where they must sell the player in the summer to maximise his value. GiveMeSport notes that although Leipzig may want to keep Simons, his high price tag could prove to be a stumbling block, especially if they are keen to raise funds for further squad reinforcements.

Given that Simons is still only 21 years old, his potential remains immense. His creativity and ability to ease the burden on creative players like Bruno Fernandes at United had made him a potential target for Erik ten Hag. However, with financial constraints and other pressing needs in the squad, Manchester United’s pursuit of the young Dutchman seems unlikely at this stage.

Photo: IMAGO

United’s Focus Shifting to Other Priorities

The decision to pull out of the race for Simons is a reflection of Manchester United’s current focus. With the club expected to prioritise signing a prolific centre forward following the underwhelming performances of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, the move for Simons no longer aligns with United’s summer plans. GiveMeSport also mentions that the club will need to offload players before they can consider making big-money signings. This decision highlights the financial balancing act United face as they look to strengthen their squad while managing their budget.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The decision to drop interest in Xavi Simons is somewhat disappointing, but it is ultimately a sensible one. While the young Dutchman has shown plenty of promise at Leipzig, €80 million is a steep price for a player who is still developing. The squad needs a more immediate impact, particularly in the attacking department, where the club’s goalscoring struggles have been well-documented this season.

United’s priority should be finding a reliable centre forward who can contribute to the team’s immediate goals, rather than investing heavily in a player who is still learning and could take time to fully adapt to the Premier League. The fact that United have pulled out of this deal also highlights the financial realities at the club, with player sales a necessity before new acquisitions can be made.

Ultimately, while Simons would undoubtedly be an exciting addition to the squad, Manchester United must focus their resources on more pressing needs. A clinical striker to support Fernandes and lead the line should take precedence this summer.