Simons drops Man Utd hint? Red Devils close in on €60m PSG deal

Robin Bairner

19 Jul 2024 14:30 CDT
4 min read

Manchester United are still hopeful of landing PSG attacker Xavi Simons while the Old Trafford club are ready to spend big on signing Manuel Ugarte from the Ligue 1 giants.

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Simons is poised to leave Parc des Princes this summer after spending last season on loan with RB Leipzig. This is likely to be under the form of a loan due to a buy-back clause that PSV have agreed with the French champions.

Fabrizio Romano has indicated that it’s “99% certain” that the Netherlands international will leave PSG next summer on a permanent basis, but while this aspect of his future appears certain, his destination remains far less apparent.

Current ETV

Xavi Simons

M (L), AM (C)

PSG

Xavi Simons

M (L), AM (C)

PSG

ETV Range

€35.3M - €58.9M

Man Utd remain a major contender to sign Simons, according to L’Equipe, which states that Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are ahead of them in the race.

However, the 21-year-old has dropped a cryptic hint on his social media that it could soon be all change in his career.

Simons posted the Uno ‘Reverse’ card, suggesting that there could be a dramatic announcement soon – and one that is not expected.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer rumours

Manuel Ugarte agreement closer

While Simons has been enigmatic over his future, Ugarte has reportedly agreed personal terms with Man Utd. No deal has yet been brokered between the clubs, yet one appears to be in the pipeline.

L’Equipe indicates that although Man Utd had a first offer of an undisclosed sum rejected, the clubs have gradually come closer together and an agreement could soon be reached.

While PSG are seeking €70m, the Red Devils are unwilling to pay that figure upfront.

Current ETV

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

ETV Range

€31.1M - €51.8M

Instead, Man Utd are seeking a different structure, with the French source indicating that their preference is a loan deal with an easily achievable purchase option.

Like Leny Yoro, who became Man Utd’s second major signing of the Ineos era after Joshua Zirkzee when he completed a €62.5m move from Lille earlier this week, Ugarte is represented by Jorge Mendes.

Adrien Rabiot, meanwhile, is seen as an alternative if either of these deals collapses, with the former PSG and Juventus midfielder available on a free transfer.