‘Agreed’ Manchester United Transfer Falls Through as Rising Star Rejects Old Trafford Move

Manchester United had a deal in place to bring Xavi Simons on board last summer, but the young Dutch talent turned down the offer, according to a report.

Simons, known for his skills on both flanks, has been in excellent form while on loan at RB Leipzig this season. With nine goals and 15 assists in 42 appearances, he played a key role in Leipzig’s success in the German super cup, advancing to the Champions League last 16, and climbing to fourth place in the Bundesliga.

After spending the previous season at PSV, Paris Saint-Germain triggered their option to re-sign Simons in July 2023.

PSG assessed Simons’ development and decided that a loan spell for the 2023-24 season would be beneficial, leading to his move to Germany.

Simons attracted attention last summer after an impressive tally of 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games for PSV.

According to German publication Bild, the 21-year-old had an opportunity before joining Leipzig when Manchester United made a move for him.

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A substantial €60 million (£52m) bid from Man Utd was accepted by PSG, leading to the two clubs ‘agreeing a deal’ for his potential transfer.

Despite the agreement, Simons did not join Old Trafford as he had no interest in moving to Man Utd.

Man Utd transfers: Ten Hag misses out on top target

Erik ten Hag, who has been following Simons’ progress since his days at Barcelona, was disappointed by the player’s decision. The head coach was a strong advocate for bringing Simons to Man Utd, but the player opted for a different career path.

Given the recent struggles of players at Man Utd, such as Jadon Sancho, who failed to replicate his Dortmund success, Simons’ decision is understandable.

Simons is now set to return to PSG, with the French club considering him a key player for the future, planning another loan spell before his anticipated return to Parc des Princes to shine from 2025 onwards.

Reports suggest that Arsenal and Chelsea have shown interest in Simons, with a potential return to Barcelona also on the cards, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Barcelona is making efforts to bring him back to Catalonia, where he honed his skills between 2010 and 2019.

Barca aims for a permanent deal with Simons but might settle for a season-long loan due to financial constraints.

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