Man Utd have been extremely active in the transfer market so far. They have already wrapped up transfers for Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro whilst actively pursuing deals for Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt.
However, they don’t seem to be done just yet. According to L’Equipe via Mundo Deportivo, Ugarte is not the only player from PSG that Man Utd are interested in. They are willing to make a big offer to bring Xavi Simons to Old Trafford.
Read – Move ‘closer and closer’ as Man Utd have tabled bid to sign £5.2million a year player – Reports
Last week, we covered a story stating that Man Utd have advanced with a big bid to sign Erik ten Hag’s compatriot who finds himself out of favour under Luis Enrique. The Old Trafford outfit are trying to use the influence of the Dutch coach and Ruud van Nistelrooy to convince the £50.6m-£60.2m rated 21-year-old to come to Manchester.
The Red Devils face competition from Bayern Munich for his signature, with the German giants able to offer the player something that we cannot – Champions League football.
However, there is a case to be made that Xavi Simons would find it easier to adapt at Man Utd under Dutch manager, who admires him.
Ever since Erik ten Hag took over the managerial reigns at the M16, his signings have reflected one of two patterns – either they are Dutch players or players who have played under him at Ajax. There are very few exceptions to the rule like Rasmus Hojlund, Leny Yoro and Casemiro.
Whilst there is nothing wrong in a coach preferring players of a certain nationality or the ones he has previously coached, not all that Ten Hag has touched has turned to gold so far. For every Lisandro Martinez, there is an antithesis to be had in the form of Antony.
Even this summer, Man Utd’s transfer targets like Zirkzee, Simons and De Ligt all fall into one of the two categories. That said, signing the 21-year-old ex-La Masia graduate would be a coup for the club considering the level he has shown in the last couple of seasons.
What Man Utd will get with Simons is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions. Ten Hag could choose to use him from the left, as a #10 or even as a #8. The PSG youngster can even play as a false-nine. Signing him will give Ten Hag the luxury to play around with his system.
However, he must not be a priority for the club ahead of the likes of De Ligt and Ugarte and the decision-makers need to be clear about this. Only time will tell us if they think along our lines or choose to sign Xavi ahead of the others.
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