Manchester City wants to bypass Chelsea’s deal for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons
Manchester City are making a decisive push to sign Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, aiming to overtake Chelsea in the race for one of Europe’s most promising young talents. Club officials have contacted Simons’ agent, Ali Barat, to accelerate negotiations and position the Premier League champions as the player’s preferred destination.
Player Keen on Premier League Move
Simons, 22, is understood to be enthusiastic about a switch to England’s top flight, with sources in Germany suggesting the midfielder has made the Premier League his priority. Chelsea have been tracking him closely, and while they have initiated contact with Leipzig, no formal offer has yet been submitted, according to Bild.
For City, the pursuit comes after key departures notably Jack Grealish left manager Pep Guardiola seeking a creative and versatile addition to the squad. The club views Simons as a long-term asset capable of operating both as a central playmaker and on the wings.
Contract Situation and Market Dynamics
The Dutch international joined RB Leipzig at the start of 2025 and is under contract until June 2027. While Leipzig are under no pressure to sell, City’s financial strength and Champions League ambitions could prove persuasive.
Past transfer windows have seen speculation linking Simons with the Etihad, but this is the first time concrete steps have been taken to engage his representatives directly. City’s move to establish an early dialogue is aimed at preempting Chelsea’s advances and avoiding a drawn-out bidding war.
Tactical Fit for Guardiola’s Squad
Simons is valued for his quick acceleration, close control in tight spaces, and vision in the final third attributes that align with Guardiola’s fluid attacking system. His adaptability makes him an asset in both possession-heavy and transitional phases of play, offering City depth across multiple attacking roles.
