Manchester City is facing a big problem as Liverpool looks set to sign one of their top transfer targets, Xavi Simons, in the summer. Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has had a tough time this season, with his team appearing weaker compared to Arne Slot’s Liverpool. Guardiola faces a challenging task if he is to compete with Liverpool again next season, as his team needs a major refresh. Likewise, Liverpool may also need to strengthen their squad depending on whether they can keep hold of their star players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Guardiola is reportedly planning a big rebuild in the summer after the struggles of this season have shown areas that need improvement. One key issue is the absence of Rodri, which has highlighted the weaknesses in Manchester City’s midfield. Rodri’s absence has made it clear that Manchester City needs a player who can fill that gap. In an attempt to address this, Guardiola brought in Nico Gonzalez in January to help cover for Rodri’s injury. There are also reports suggesting that Nico O’Reilly could be used as a backup for Rodri next season. However, Manchester City will still need to sign a world-class midfielder in the summer to close the gap with Liverpool. The midfield needs more power, athleticism, and quality.
The latest news could be a blow to Manchester City’s plans, as they are reportedly interested in signing Xavi Simons, a midfielder from RB Leipzig who is valued at £66 million. However, according to a report from The Daily Star, Liverpool is said to be in the lead to sign Simons. This could be a significant setback for Manchester City, especially since Simons is highly regarded as a world-class talent. Rafael van der Vaart has praised Simons, calling him a player who could become the best in the world one day.
Simons, who is just 21 years old, has a remarkable record of 39 goals and 31 assists in 125 games for Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven, and Paris Saint-Germain. His all-around game is exceptional, and he has the potential to achieve great things in the football world. In addition to his goal contributions, Simons is known for his ability to move the ball forward. He has recorded 55 progressive ball carries and 91 progressive passes in 16 Bundesliga games this season. He has also received 122 progressive passes in those matches, showcasing his intelligence in finding attacking positions.
When compared to Manchester City’s midfielders, Simons stands out. Ilkay Gundogan has made 38 progressive carries and 95 progressive passes in 24 Premier League games, while Mateo Kovacic has made 44 progressive carries and 118 progressive passes in 23 league games. For context, Rodri recorded 76 progressive carries and 376 progressive passes in the 2023/24 Premier League season. The areas where Simons excels, particularly his ability to carry the ball and receive passes in advanced areas, make him an ideal fit for Manchester City’s needs.
Manchester City has struggled with a lack of midfielders who can carry the ball forward and also contribute goals and assists. Simons would be the perfect player to address this issue, making it even more frustrating for Guardiola that Liverpool is in a strong position to sign him. Losing out on Simons to Liverpool could be a huge setback for Manchester City, and it would be difficult for them to recover from it. Simons’ ability to influence the game with his dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring ability is exactly what Manchester City needs in their midfield to close the gap with Liverpool. The thought of him joining their rivals would be a bitter pill to swallow for the Cityzens.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the battle for top transfer targets will intensify, and Manchester City will need to act fast if they hope to secure key signings. Guardiola will need to ensure that he addresses the team’s weaknesses, especially in midfield, if he is to challenge Liverpool and remain competitive at the highest level. The signing of a player like Xavi Simons could be crucial in this regard, and missing out on him could delay Manchester City’s plans for improvement. The next few months will be critical for both Manchester City and Liverpool as they look to strengthen their squads for the future.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will be eager to add a player like Simons to their team. The 21-year-old’s potential and versatility make him a valuable asset for any club, and his ability to improve the team’s midfield could make a significant difference in their pursuit of future success. The fact that Liverpool is reportedly in pole position to sign Simons only adds to the excitement and pressure surrounding the transfer window. If they succeed in bringing him to Anfield, it would be a major boost for their squad and further solidify their position as one of Europe’s elite clubs.
For Manchester City, missing out on such a highly rated talent would be a blow to their transfer plans. Simons has the qualities that Guardiola values in his midfielders, and his addition could have helped strengthen the team’s push for domestic and European glory. However, with Liverpool now in the lead, it will be up to Manchester City to come up with a backup plan and explore other options in the market.
Ultimately, the summer transfer window will be a crucial time for both clubs. Manchester City must address their midfield issues and rebuild their squad if they want to close the gap with Liverpool, while Liverpool will be hoping to add more quality players to maintain their competitive edge. The race for top talent like Xavi Simons is just one example of the fierce competition between these two giants of English football, and it will be fascinating to see how the transfer battle unfolds in the coming months.
