Manchester City are now pursuing Xavi Simons.
Sacha Tavolieri claims that Hugo Viana has entered the race for the Netherlands international after sanctioning a loan move to Everton for Jack Grealish.
🚨🔵⚪️🇳🇱 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City enters the race for Xavi Simons!
💰 With the likely departure of Savinho, the Citizens have reestablished contact with super agent Ali Barat in an attempt to lure Xavi away from Chelsea.
🔵 On #CFC side, talks are still 🔛
Nothing changes.… pic.twitter.com/klprBkND9Y
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 11, 2025
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Pep Guardiola could even see his attack weakened further as Tottenham hold talks to sign Savinho from Manchester City.
Should a move for Xavi Simons materialise, it could make for an awkward exchange with Rico Lewis after an incident from back in October 2023.
How Xavi Simons and Rico Lewis strangely landed Pep Guardiola in hot water
During a UEFA Champions League clash between RB Leipzig and Manchester City in October 2023, Simons and Lewis came to blows right in front of the Spaniard on the touchline.
Keen to avoid escalation, Guardiola stepped in and separated the pair, only to then receive a warning from UEFA match official Artur Dias, which left the man from Santpedor baffled.
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Fortunately, the 54-year-old was not issued with a fine for stepping out of his technical area to defuse the tension, as it was bizarre of Dias to even reprimand him for doing so in the first place.
Kylian Mbappe rates Xavi Simons highly
If this deal materialises, it would presumably come with a seal of approval from Kylian Mbappe based on what the Real Madrid No.10 has previously said.
The Dutchman memorably shone against France at UEFA Euro 2024 – delivering a performance which led Mbappe to praise him in the tunnel after the final whistle.
While speaking to Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum, Simons walked past, which made the France international point him out and say: “Hey, I was thinking, he was killing us!”
It was not the only special display produced by the RB Leipzig No.10 at that particular tournament.
Some Manchester City fans may recall Simons scoring a stunning goal against England in the semi-final, before strikes from Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins sent the Three Lions into the final.
The 22-year-old is clearly a fantastic footballer, although Manchester City face competition from Chelsea for the RB Leipzig star this summer, who is valued at £60m by the Bundesliga outfit.