According to a report from Germany, Manchester United and Liverpool have learned that they will need to invest more than initially anticipated to acquire Dutch talent Xavi Simons this summer.
The 22-year-old recently finalized a permanent transfer to RB Leipzig during the winter transfer window after a successful loan spell with the club.
However, this has not deterred top European clubs from pursuing him this summer. Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal have all expressed interest in Simons, who harbors aspirations of returning to Barcelona, where he spent a significant portion of his youth career.
Nevertheless, any interested party will need to pay a considerable fee to secure his transfer.
Earlier reports indicated that Leipzig would seek around £60 million for the Netherlands international at the season’s conclusion, but journalist Florian Plettenberg from Sky Germany has disclosed that the actual asking price is €80 million (£68.6 million).
The report also states that Man Utd and Liverpool – as well as “several others” – have Simons “on their radar” and are “monitoring his situation”, while Bayern Munich could pursue a move should top transfer target Florian Wirtz reject a switch to the Allianz Arena.
No official offer has been submitted by any club as things stand.Simons has impressed during two seasons with Leipzig having announced himself during a loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23.
He’s managed 20 goals and 19 assists with the Bundesliga outfit in 72 appearances.The Dutchman’s versatility is one of his many strengths, capable of playing out wide or in an attacking midfield position, and it comes as no surprise that Europe’s top dogs are sniffing around the talented forward.