Manchester City actually tried to sign Xavi Simons this summer – a player who has been compared to Frenkie de Jong.
It was 90min who claimed that Pep Guardiola asked about the Dutchman.
So, what was written about Manchester City and Xavi Simons? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it is said that Manchester City – and also Barcelona – approached PSG about a deal for the Netherlands international during the summer transfer window, after his remarkable 2022/23 campaign at PSV Eindhoven.
Simons impressively scored 22 goals and also provided 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, before PSG activated their £5m buyback clause.
The French giants then decided to loan the 20-year-old to RB Leipzig, but not before Manchester City made an approach.
Sadly, the Citizens were told to go away by PSG, who are planning to welcome Simons back to the Parc des Princes as a key player for the 2024/25 campaign.
Nevertheless, it is said that Manchester City are still watching the Amsterdam-born sensation.
Manchester City could sign the next Frenkie de Jong
If you don’t know much about Simons, then perhaps a comparison to a better-known player may be of use.
Interestingly, the £25,998-a-week PSG wonderkid has been compared to Barcelona No.21 De Jong.
It was The Sun who likened the Netherlands international to Simons – the pair play alongside each other for the Oranje.
In 2019, they wrote: “Like former Ajax star Frenkie De Jong, who moved to Barca this summer, he is tidy in possession and pirouettes around the middle of the park looking for space to play the right pass.”
The 26-year-old is one of the best midfielders in Europe, so if Simons develops into even 50% of the player the Barcelona maestro currently is, Manchester City should definitely make another approach in 2024.
