Xavi Simons Transfer Saga Heats Up With Premier League Giants in Pursuit
The summer madness is already in full flow, and the name on every big club's lips right now? Xavi Simons. The Dutch playmaker is staring at the Leipzig exit door, with some of Europe’s biggest teams—especially Manchester United, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich—lining up for his signature. But this isn’t a bargain bin deal. Leipzig aren’t messing around: they're demanding at least €70 million (about £60 million) for anyone hoping to snap up their hottest talent.
The whole chain reaction started when Leipzig crashed out of Champions League contention. For Simons, who’s just 22 but already one of the Bundesliga’s top creative forces, that was the final straw. He went straight to the club’s management with a transfer request, making it clear that he wants to keep playing at Europe's highest level and isn’t hanging around to watch the rebuild from the sidelines.
Manchester United and Chelsea Lead the Race
Manchester United, who missed out on a quick deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, have turned their full attention to Simons. They’ve already held talks with his camp, and all signs point to him being their number one target for the attacking midfielder role. United have cash to splash for the right player, and the desire to freshen up a squad that’s been short on creative spark.
Chelsea are hovering, too, even though they recently signed a couple of attacking talents. Reports say the London club are hoping to talk Leipzig down to €65 million, maybe sweeten the pot with add-ons—anything to fit him into their packed lineup. Despite their transfer activity, they remain convinced Simons could be a game-changer for the Premier League and, crucially, are aware that the player himself prefers England as his next destination.
Bayern Munich aren’t out of the picture, but the Bundesliga champions might face an uphill struggle considering Simons’ stated preference and the fee involved. Leipzig’s strategy is clear: get top dollar now, reinvest in rebuilding the team under new manager Ruben Amorim, and move on.
Simons' journey has been anything but boring. Originally signed by Paris Saint-Germain, he ended up at Leipzig in a deal that could eventually hit €80 million once all the extras come through. At Leipzig, he quickly became the engine of the attack, regularly dazzling with his vision and technical skills.
- Xavi Simons has put in a transfer request following Leipzig’s Champions League flop.
- Leipzig won’t consider offers below €70 million, hoping to boost their own squad through his sale.
- Manchester United have held discussions; Chelsea are close behind, eager to add another creative weapon.
- Bayern Munich lurk, but the player wants a Premier League move.
The drama around this summer's transfer window promises to get even louder as these clubs jockey for position. For now, all eyes remain locked on Simons and whether Leipzig will budge, or if United or Chelsea will blink and stump up the full asking price.