Simons has been a target of the Red Devils, but they will struggle to get him this summer
Manchester United ended the season in the worst possible way. They were out of the European competitions after closing the Premier League in 16th place and losing the Europa League final. Neither tactical changes nor signings managed to reverse the club’s free fall. The dressing room broke down, spirits plummeted and the fans lost patience. Meanwhile, the coaching staff failed to give the team a clear identity.
The lack of cohesion was reflected in the results. And although Rasmus Højlund showed flashes of his traits, it was not enough. Now, at the start of the summer, the club need to move smartly, but their financial and sporting situation complicates every attempt to rebuild.
Liverpool enter the race for the signature of Manchester United target Xavi Simons
Meanwhile, Tottenham ended their long title drought. They beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final with a goal by Brennan Johnson in the 42nd minute. The London side, who finished 17th in the league, saved their year with a title they had not won for 17 years. The goal was enough to stop any comeback attempt from Old Trafford.
Will Manchester United be able to land Xavi Simons?
Will Manchester United be able to land Xavi Simons?
According to Fichajes, while Spurs are celebrating, the Red Devils are looking longingly at the transfer market. Liverpool, Arsenal and United themselves are interested in 22-year-old Dutch star Xavi Simons, and his price tag would be in the region of £60 million. Competition, however, will be fierce. Liverpool and Arsenal have entered the race for signing the Dutch talent.
For Manchester United, the chase of Simons looks more like wishful thinking than a realistic target. Without the lure of the Champions League or Europa League, the club loses out to Liverpool and Arsenal. The Gunners have just consolidated an ambitious project with youngsters competing at the top. They have structure, a clear style and results.
Liverpool, although in transition after the departure of Klopp, remains an attractive destination with a competitive squad having won the Premier League and playing in the Champions League as well. In that situation, Simons is unlikely to choose a United in crisis. It would be a false step for his career if he opts for a club without a compass or a defined project.
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Moreover, the economic factor is not in United‘s favour. Without European income, the room for manoeuvre is reduced. And while they can offer a good salary, today that is not enough. Young players are looking to compete, grow and aspire for titles. Arsenal and Liverpool provide those guarantees. Simons, who has already shown personality and maturity, will not want to waste his best years in an institution that does not know where it is going.
From another perspective, one wonders whether United should even insist on Simons. His profile fits an attacking, fast and technical team. In the current United team, neither the system nor the players favour him. Before signing names, the club must sort out their structure. It is no good bringing in talent if there is no environment in which it can perform. To go for Simons without first solving the tactical problems would be to repeat the mistakes of the past. In that sense, Arsenal and Liverpool are not only competing for the player: they are attracting him because they offer consistency. United, at the moment, only offer empty promises, and in this market, that is no longer enough.