Man Utd were in 'POLE POSITION' but MISSED OUT on wonderkid - Romano

Updated: 19 Sept 2023 09:26 BST
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Manchester United were the favourites to sign Xavi Simons in the summer but they ultimately missed out, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils are having a tough time of it so far this season and Fabrizio Romano has now compounded their misery by claiming that United had been in 'pole position' to sign one of the most exciting talents in world football only for a move never to materialise.

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Xavi Simons has had an exhilarating career despite being just 20 years old. On the books at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain before his breakout season with PSV last term, the Dutchman was one of the most sought-after commodities of the summer with Arsenal among the clubs heavily linked with him.

READ: Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle get Caicedo warning over Toney transfer

PSG ultimately managed to re-sign him for a measly €6 million after activating his buy-back clause and he was subsequently loaned to RB Leipzig, where he has continued his impressive form from last season. The youngster has recorded three goals and four assists across his first four Bundesliga games, equalling Erling Haaland's and Paco Alcacer's records for most productive starts to a player's Bundesliga career.

But he could have been plying his trade at Old Trafford this season.

Xavi Simons has equalled a Bundesliga record for goal contributions in his first four matches in the competition.

He matches Erling Haaland and Paco Alcacer 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aY4YTG2qlI
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) September 16, 2023

What did Romano say?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed: "In the summer, Man Utd also considered Xavi Simons as an option. They had some calls, Erik ten Hag was really keen on Xavi Simons to Manchester United, but then PSG triggered the buy-back clause they had in the contract with PSV Eindhoven - €6m, incredible..."

"But in case the player was going to stay at PSV Eindhoven and [had] decided against [accepting the PSG offer], Man Utd were pole position to bring Xavi Simons to Old Trafford this summer."

READ: Man Utd plot January SPENDING-SPREE with DOUBLE transfer

"For that buy-back clause, the player's position was crucial, so it was Xavi Simons' [choice] to say 'yes, okay I'm coming back to PSG' or not, 'I'm not coming back, I'm staying here at PSV or joining another club.' In that case, in the second option, Man Utd were the big favourites..."