Manchester City supporters are not particularly enthusiastic about rumours linking the club with RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons.
Reports in the German press last week had mentioned the Premier League champions as a potential suitor for the Netherlands international, and there are now similar claims from English news outlets.
While some fans on X do believe Simons is a decent player, most would much prefer a move for either Jamal Musiala or Florian Wirtz:
Give me musiala
— times2late (@times2late) September 18, 2024
we have been interested since 2022 and not a single move reported…
— a (@Hofy__) September 18, 2024
From Wirtz to Simons are we mad ?
— vivek (@Vivek__90) September 18, 2024
— Gundolorian (@Gundolorian) September 18, 2024
As a Bernardo replacement yes not as KDB one that’s for musiala
— Emir🇸🇪115 tears🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@FodenCTID) September 18, 2024
Jamal Musiala, Xavi Simons, Morgan Gibbs-White.
The same player profile we seem to be linked with.
Looks like this is indeed KDB’s last season.
— Ogbeni_Ade! (@DDramzy) September 18, 2024
Simons will be available next summer
While there is less certainty about whether Bayern will sell Musiala or if Bayer Leverkusen are prepared to offload Wirtz, Simons is expected to be on the market.
The Dutchman is currently on loan at Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain and his parent club are likely to let him leave on a permanent basis next year if their asking price is met. It is believed that the Ligue One side would demand around €80m (£67m).
City may have to see off competition from Premier League rivals
The likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and even Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Simons in recent weeks.
There are suggestions that the 21-year-old would like to join a Premier League club, so there could be a scramble for his signature at the end of the season.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here