Manchester United have had mixed results in the transfer market in previous seasons, but they attempted a huge coup this summer by chasing one of the world’s standout wonderkids.
United have struggled this season, losing six of their last ten games and dealing with a slew of injury worries as well as off-the-field difficulties with several players.
Erik ten Hag’s teams were among the biggest spenders in the summer, spending more than €200 million, and United attempted to sign Paris Saint-Germain phenom Xavi Simons but had an approach refused.
Barcelona will compete with Manchester City for Simons.
According to L’Equipe, Simons was coveted by RB Leipzig and United after PSG activated his €6 million buy-back clause at the start of the summer, but a second transfer window was ruled out since the Dutchman’s former club, PSV, would have received the amount instead.
Simons only joined PSV last summer but had an incredible season in the Eredivisie, grabbing 19 goals and eight assists, which prompted PSG to bring back their young talent and eventually loan him to Leipzig for the coming season.
While the details of United’s offer have not been revealed, the bids were thought to be sizeable but PSG are unable to sell Simons until a certain date without any fee going to PSV.
Simons set for extended stint at Leipzig
United certainly will be rueing their fortune at being unable to sign Simons due to the 20-year-old’s quick start to life in Leipzig which has seen him record three goals and four assists in seven Bundesliga games.
Simons has largely featured as a number ten for Leipzig, replacing Dominik Szoboszlai after his move to Liverpool as well as displaying his versatility on both flanks for club and country, leading to his nomination for the Golden Boy award.
The ex-Barcelona academy product penned a four-year contract upon his return to PSG but the decision was made to loan him out due to his similarities in profile to Kylian Mbappe and the now-departed Neymar.
PSG are also believed to be unable to receive any fee for Simons if they attempt to sell him next summer too, leading to talks over extending his loan with Leipzig for another season after his impressive stint there so far.