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Manchester United icon Louis Saha has urged his former side to make a move for Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons. The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig from French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
A product of Spanish giants Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Simons joined PSG's academy on a free transfer in 2019. He spent just six months in the senior team (January to June 2022) before moving on loan to Eredivisie side PSV.
The midfielder performed admirably with the Dutch outfit, bagging 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. He moved to Leipzig for the 2023-24 campaign, racking up 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 games.
Despite rumors linking him with top European sides like Barcelona and Manchester United, Simons extended his loan at Leipzig for another year. He has had a solid start to his 2024-25 campaign, with two goals and two assists in seven games.
Saha, who bagged 42 goals and 16 assists in 124 appearances for United between 2003 and 2008, claimed that Simons' premier qualities are his 'creativity and unpredictability'. He also claimed that the Dutchman would be a better tactical fit at United than out-of-favor attacker Jadon Sancho, who's currently on loan at Chelsea.
Talking to Casino Hawks, the 46-year-old said (via Caught Offside h/t Manchester Evening News):
"I think Manchester United should target Xavi Simons, I really like him and he's the sort of player that could have a huge impact at the club. I definitely think Simons has the capacity to be a success if he did end up at United."
"He's very hard to defend against because he's always on the move, United still need legs in midfield and more creativity and unpredictability. Jadon Sancho is a player that didn't fit it tactically, but I don't think that will be the case with Simons, he is confident in his quality and it looks like he has the character to succeed," Saha added.
Journalist reveals why Liverpool would have upper hand over Manchester United in race for Xavi Simons' signature
Bild Journalist Yvonna Gabriel has revealed that Liverpool hold the edge over fellow Premier League side Manchester United in the race to sign star midfielder Xavi Simons.
A whole host of top Premier League and European sides had been linked with a move for the attacking midfielder in the summer transfer window. However, the 21-year-old chose to extend his loan spell at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, forcing clubs to postpone their transfer plans.
It seems that Liverpool and United have maintained their interest in the young star, with the former sneaking slightly ahead in the race. It has been revealed that the youngster's connection with Reds manager Arne Slot could give them an advantage over their bitter rivals.
On the FC Bayern Insider podcast, Gabriel revealed:
"PSG would like to sell him next year, but Xavi sees himself at an even bigger club. His price tag, which is already rumored to be over €80m [£67.4m] is utopian for Leipzig."
"With sums like that, however, the Premier League naturally comes into play, Xavi's dream destination, as they say... It's fair to say that the whole league has long had Xavi on its radar. Liverpool were also extremely keen on him this summer; there is a good connection to coach Arne Slot," Gabriel added.
Up next, Manchester United will take on Porto in the UEFA Europa League on October 3.
