Xavi Simons has been linked to Manchester City amid doubt over the future of Savinho at the Premier League club.
It looked like the end of the transfer window was going to be a quiet one for City, with the focus being on trimming down Pep Guardiola’s squad; however, Tottenham’s interest in Savinho and the uncertainty around the future of Ederson have sparked it back into life.
If the winger leaves, Man City will need a replacement with Rodrygo being Guardiola’s number one choice, but Simons also remains on the list, as the Dutch star is set to leave RB Leipzig this summer.
Chelsea are the main club pushing for the midfielder, and it has been made clear how Simons feels about a move to the Etihad Stadium amid interest from the London club.
Xavi Simons celebrates his goal in RB Leipzig v VfB Stuttgart.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Xavi Simons wants to join Chelsea
It was reported this week that Man City have joined the race for Xavi Simons, as the Manchester club made contact with the player’s agent to find out what the current situation of the 22-year-old is.
There has now been an update on how the Leipzig star is currently feeling about his future, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting that Simons is fully focused on joining Chelsea this summer, and that Man City are not a topic for the Dutch star at present.
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The reporter states that the London club are staying patient in their pursuit of the midfielder and hope to have a deal done before the summer transfer window shuts.
🚨🔵 #Xavi Simons remains fully focused on an agreement between RB Leipzig and Chelsea.
Manchester City are currently not a hot topic. #CFC are staying patient in their pursuit of Xavi. Deal still on.
Current salary at RB Leipzig reaching up to €14m gross if all bonuses are… pic.twitter.com/XrgMvC3Hfg
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 13, 2025
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This is not a blow for Man City, as they knew Chelsea were well ahead in the race for Simons when they enquired about the Leipzig star again.
Rodrygo remains the main priority for the Manchester club, but all this might not even matter because City do not plan on selling Savinho to Tottenham at present.
How Xavi Simons compares to Rodrygo
When it comes to replacing Savinho, should the Brazilian leave to join Tottenham, it is fair to say the preference of Man City fans is Rodrygo, given what the 24-year-old has already achieved in the game with Real Madrid.
However, both are very different players as the Brazilian is a pure winger who can play on either side, while Simons is naturally a ten, but can play anywhere across the front line.
Player Games Goals Assists Minutes
Xavi Simons 33 11 8 2763
Rodrygo 54 14 11 3452
Rodrygo and Xavi Simons’ 24/25 stats
Both players are excellent in tight spaces and are great dribblers of the ball, which will add some flair to Guardiola’s attack, but Rodrygo would certainly be the player the legendary coach wants, as he already has several stars similar to Simons.
It remains to be seen how all this plays out, but Man City’s enquiries may all be for nothing if Savinho remains at the Etihad Stadium this summer.