Man Utd line up 'SHOCK' move for another Dutch star

12 Jul 2024 07:00 BST
3 min read

Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a “shock” move for Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Xavi Simons as Erik ten Hag targets another Netherlands star.

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Simons, 21, is expected to leave PSG this summer, either on loan or on a permanent deal, and he has several suitors from across Europe.

FootballTransfers understands that Bayern Munich are heavily pursuing a move for Simons, while Sky Germany have revealed that the Dutch international has already agreed personal terms with Vincent Kompany’s side.

The Bavarians are also pursuing Dani Olmo, we have been told, as they look to bolster their first-team squad.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Simons in recent months, while RB Leipzig are hoping to re-sign him following his successful loan spell last season.

However, Man Utd are now “hot on his heels” as they line up a “shock” summer move, as per The Sun.

The Red Devils have already reached an agreement to sign Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt is expected to join him at Old Trafford.

As a result, Simons would become Man Utd’s third Dutch signing of the summer if he opts to seal a move to the red side of Manchester.

© IMAGO - Man Utd want to sign Xavi Simons

Man Utd’s Dutch revolution

Ten Hag has prioritised signing Dutch players or stars from the Eredivisie since moving to Old Trafford in 2022, and that transfer strategy appears to be continuing, despite the arrival of INEOS.

Dan Ashworth has joined Man Utd as their new Sporting Director, but the club appear set on bolstering their squad by adding players from the Netherlands.

Eredivisie stars Lisandro Martinez and Antony both followed Ten Hag from Ajax two years ago, while Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia also arrived and Wout Weghorst subsequently joined on loan in January.

Last summer, Ten Hag’s former Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana joined Man Utd from Inter Milan.