Manchester United have made headlines across Europe after reportedly submitting a record-breaking offer for one of RB Leipzig’s brightest young midfielders—widely speculated to be Xavi Simons.
This ambitious move demonstrates the club’s renewed commitment to transforming their squad and signals a strategic shift under their new footballing leadership.
According to various reports, United’s bid is said to be in the region of €135 million (£116 million), which would surpass any previous transfer fee the club has paid in its storied history.
This would even eclipse the former record set during Paul Pogba’s sensational return to Old Trafford in 2016 for £89.3 million.
While RB Leipzig are believed to have set a valuation closer to €80 million (£69 million), the Red Devils are clearly determined to secure the signature of the highly-rated 21-year-old before competition intensifies.
Xavi Simons has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders. His versatility, high football IQ, and technical brilliance have made him a standout in the Bundesliga.
Capable of playing both as a deep-lying playmaker and a more advanced number 10, Simons offers precisely the kind of fluidity and intelligence United’s midfield has been lacking.
Last season, United’s engine room suffered from inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of creative spark—areas Simons could help address immediately.
The decision to pursue such a large deal appears to be part of a broader recruitment strategy led by the INEOS-backed football leadership at Old Trafford.
Rather than continue a history of overpaying for aging stars, United seem to be targeting youthful players with elite potential—and Simons fits this model perfectly.
Already experienced at the top level and showing continued improvement, he is seen as a cornerstone for a long-term rebuild.
From RB Leipzig’s perspective, while they’re under no pressure to sell—especially given Simons’ contract and their strong development pipeline—the absence of Champions League football next season may influence their stance.
Simons is reportedly open to a new challenge, particularly at a historic club like Manchester United that’s showing serious ambition to compete again at the top.
However, the path to securing the player is not without its hurdles. Other top clubs, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool, are closely monitoring the situation.
Although United are the first to submit a formal offer, they must now act swiftly to avoid being outmaneuvered.
In short, Manchester United’s audacious bid for Simons is more than just a transfer story—it’s a statement of intent, identity, and direction.
If they manage to complete the deal, it could be the first major step in reshaping the club’s future around dynamic young talent with world-class potential.
