Manchester stock market – who’s leaving and who’s coming?

He is not expected to stay in Leipzig — that much was hinted at as soon as last season ended. Where he will play next is still unknown. If there were only subtle indications before, now Xavi Simons faces a serious test, as Manchester City have entered the race for his signature.

For weeks, Chelsea had been considered the main favorite to sign the Dutch playmaker. However, since they failed to secure him quickly, the Citizens decided to try and take advantage of the situation, hoping to convince the 21-year-old to change his mind.

At least that’s what Sacha Tavolieri, recently proven to be a reliable transfer insider, reports. News of a possible Simons move to the Etihad came on the same day it was revealed that Brazilian winger Savinho could leave Pep Guardiola’s side for Tottenham.

The two don’t exactly play identical roles — the former Girona man is more of a winger, while Xavi is a “number 10” — but under Guardiola, most players can be deployed in multiple positions, especially in attack.

Simons is also no stranger to shifting out wide. The same source states that Manchester City have already informed Leipzig’s management of their intentions, but face strong competition from Chelsea, who are willing to offer a player swap and bring Christopher Nkunku back to the Bundesliga — possibly with an additional payment. Tottenham have also made inquiries in the past, hoping Simons could replace the injured James Maddison.

Chelsea may be the most concrete in their interest, but they still haven’t submitted an official bid. Leipzig are asking for 80 milion euros. Both English clubs can afford that without major issues, but the question is: who needs him more?

Could City’s involvement be a strategy to drive up the price, only to withdraw later and force Chelsea to overspend? Then again, Guardiola is known to love players like Xavi Simons, so there’s always a chance he genuinely wants to snatch a key signing from the competition.

Or is it all a smokescreen for something bigger?

And that “something bigger” could be — Rodrygo at City! Real Madrid don’t want him anymore and value him at one hundred milion euros. He doesn’t have a place in Xabi Alonso’s plans, but at the Etihad, he would get the opportunity to show why he was underrated in Madrid.