Falk believes Man Utd can sign €80m ‘complete’ star thanks to ‘gentleman’s agreement’ | OneFootball

Reputable German journalist Christian Falk believes Manchester United are in the mix for RB Leipzig’s coveted star Xavi Simons.

The 21-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. He spent his early formative years at Barcelona’s La Masia academy before being poached by Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.

Due to the lack of space at Le Parc des Princes, the Ligue 1 champions sent the attacking midfielder on loan to Leipzig in the summer 2023, and he has been there ever since. The youngster has been earning the plaudits with his formidable displays, so much so that his former teammate Dani Olmo (now at Barcelona) described him as a complete player despite his tender age.

The German club has finally made the player’s stay permanent, splashing €50 million to seal the deal.

Falk considers this move to be a real bargain, as Simons is currently valued at circa €80 million. Therefore, he expects the Bundesliga side to make a swift windfall by selling their prized asset, potentially in the summer.

Man United in the fray for Xavi Simons

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 14: Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

The transfer market insider insists the Netherlands international won’t dwell at Leipzig for too long, as he suspects his agreement with the German club includes a gentleman’s agreement. Therefore, Simons could be on the move perhaps sooner rather than later, with Man Utd, Liverpool and Man City all vying for his services.

“It’s looking likely that Leipzig will sell Xavi Simons in the summer transfer window. It was a little bit surprising that Leipzig committed to a permanent deal with Simons. At the beginning, they didn’t think they’d get this chance, but they did it for €50m, which isn’t a lot for this kind of player.” revealed Falk in his latest column for The Daily Briefing.

“His contract, of course, isn’t that long, running just until 2027. So, you see, his stock is rising! Leipzig are thinking they have signed a player for €50m who has the potential to be an €80m player, so they could earn a lot of money on a potential sale.

“I’m sure there’s a gentleman’s agreement or a release clause, which would see Simons sold in the summer. Liverpool are interested, as are Manchester City and Manchester United. Xavi Simons won’t stay at Leipzig for his whole career – but everyone already knows that!

“Leipzig had the chance because PSG were happy to sell as they can’t loan so many players in Europe (they’re only allowed six). It’s great news for Leipzig, as they’ve brought in another high-quality player, and if he has to leave, they can now earn a lot of money. Good deal!”

Man United are expected to break the bank in the summer following a rather quiet January transfer window.