Man City HIJACK Chelsea transfer for Xavi Simons

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 11 Aug 2025 16:00 BST
  • 4 min read
Xavi Simons, Chelsea, RB Leipzig
© IMAGO

Manchester City have reportedly re-entered the race to sign RB Leipzig superstar Xavi Simons as they look to hijack Chelsea’s deal for the 22-year-old.

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The Netherlands international has already agreed personal terms with Enzo Maresca’s side ahead of a potential summer switch, but Chelsea are yet to finalise a transfer fee with Leipzig, and Man City are eager to pounce.

Current ETV
Player image Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons

M (L), AM (C)

RB Leipzig logo

RB Leipzig

Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons

M (L), AM (C)

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig

€67.5M

ETV Range

€60.7M - €74.2M

That is according to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who posted on X: “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 Chelsea side, talks are still on. Nothing changes. Ongoing discussions and mutual interest to finalise a deal.”

Man City have already completed the signings of both Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki so far this summer, but they are eager to rekindle their interest in Simons during the final few weeks of the transfer window.

Pep Guardiola’s side have reached an agreement to send Jack Grealish on loan to Everton for the 2025-26 season, with an option to buy, while James McAtee is close to joining Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks to sign Savinho.

However, despite interest in Simons, their current transfer priority is Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo - who is available for €100m this summer.

Man City are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea target Xavi Simons
© IMAGO - Man City are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea target Xavi Simons

Xavi Simons update

Although Man City have rejoined the battle for Simons’ signature, he is still widely expected to join Chelsea this summer.

The Blues have earmarked him as a priority transfer target, along with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, and they are eager to reach a complete agreement with Leipzig before the window ends on 1 September.

However, Leipzig aren’t interested in including Christopher Nkunku in a swap deal for Simons, while Chelsea have also been unsuccessful in initial attempts to involve Carney Chukwuemeka and Tyrique George in the transfer.

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