Manchester City consider hijacking Chelsea transfer after personal terms agreed
Share this @internewscast.com

Manchester City are contemplating a stunning hijack of Chelsea’s proposed deal for Xavi Simons, talkSPORT understands.

The Dutchman has agreed personal terms with the Blues ahead of a potential move to Stamford Bridge, but the clubs are yet to reach an agreement.

Simons is all set for a move to west London

3

Simons is all set for a move to west LondonCredit: Getty

That could open the door for City to come in and try to complete a deal themselves.

As of yet, it is just interest from the former Premier League champions, and it is likely dependent on players moving on.

Savinho has been linked with a shock transfer to Tottenham, but talkSPORT understands Man City don’t want to sell.

However, they may reluctantly let him go if the Brazilian pushes for a move.

James McAtee also looks to be heading to Nottingham Forest, while Jack Grealish has completed a loan move to Everton.

This leaves Pep Guardiola short in the attacking areas, and Simons’ versatility would appeal.

The 22-year-old is mainly an attacking midfield player, but he is more than comfortable on either wing as well.

What is happening with Chelsea and Simons?

When news of this deal first broke, it looked as if it would move quickly, but the two clubs are yet to strike a deal.

A potential deal seeing Christopher Nkunku head back to RB Leipzig two years after swapping Germany for west London has been discussed.

Nkunku could hold the key to Chelsea's move for Simons

3

Nkunku could hold the key to Chelsea’s move for SimonsCredit: Getty
Enzo Maresca is ready to part with both Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson

3

Enzo Maresca is ready to part with both Nkunku and Nicolas JacksonCredit: Getty

Nkunku transferred to the Blues for a fee of £52 million after netting 70 goals in Germany by the summer of 2023, although the agreement was finalized in the previous January.

His time at Chelsea has been disrupted by injuries, and he is free to leave the club after being left out of the two pre-season friendlies.

If any deal involving Nkunku to Leipzig were to happen, it would be separate to Simons going the other way.

Leipzig are looking for £60m to part ways with Simons, while Chelsea are hoping to pay just over £50m.

But things are complicated by the fact the player only just joined Leipzig permanently in January from Paris Saint-Germain.

The fee was just over £40m and included around £20m in bonuses, but it is not clear how many of those have been paid.

That will be the key to the price that Leipzig eventually accept for Simons, which would apply to Man City as well.

There have been suggestions that Nkunku doesn’t want to return to Leipzig, which would cause the Blues some problems.

talkSPORT verdict: European expert Kevin Hatchard

Speaking before City’s interest emerged, Hatchard said that while Simons is a high-quality player, there are concerns over his attitude.

“I think he’ll go to Chelsea,” Hatchard said on the Trans Europe Express.

“I think that seems to be the way the wind’s blowing. And he’s a player they’ve been looking for.

“I think that’s the move he’ll make. He has been a player that has been very good for Leipzig in general.

“He finds the back of the net, creates opportunities, and constantly impacts the game. Xavi is quite the conundrum for me because I truly enjoy watching him play. I appreciate the flair he contributes to each match with his smooth skills.”

Rory Jennings says Chelsea are title contenders if they sign Donnarumma

“He has a great awareness of what’s around him. He’s scored some lovely goals. There’s loads to like about him.”

Hatchard went on: “In Germany, there is an ongoing discussion, whether justifiable or not, and to be honest, I’m unsure. You often hear whispers circulating within clubs, but it wouldn’t be right for me to claim certainty, as I’m not entirely informed.”

“But the debate in Germany has been: Is he a team player? Does he have attitude problems? All of that. 

“Now, that might be paper talk. That might be just media noise, and it just isn’t true, because there are some coaches that speak up for him. 

“But there are also coaches that have alluded to, he could be more of a team player, his attitude could be different, etc.” 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

RICHARLISON EXCLUSIVE: How Ange Postecoglou Helped Me Overcome Challenges at Tottenham, the Unique qualities of Thomas Frank, and How My Past Struggles Will Propel Me to Excel in the World Cup for Brazil

For a moment, it was if everything was joyful again for Richarlison.…

Heartbroken Scotland Captain Andy Robertson Admits to Struggling With Loss of Close Friend Diogo Jota

Scotland captain Andy Robertson has spoken about the passing of Diogo Jota…

Ange Postecoglou Secures Nottingham Forest Role Over a Glass of Wine with Evangelos Marinakis, Announcement on Nuno Espirito Santo’s Replacement Expected Today

Ange Postecoglou dined with Evangelos Marinakis earlier this summer as a precursor…

World Cup Qualifier Halted Due to Sinkhole Appearing on Pitch

Play came to an abrupt halt during Austria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying…

Ange Postecoglou and Evangelos Marinakis: The Ideal Partnership? Insights into Nottingham Forest’s Managerial Demands, Their Current Dynamics, and Overlooked Aspects of Postecoglou’s Tottenham Journey

Ange Postecoglou and Evangelos Marinakis are not being thrown together as complete…

Why Barcelona Might Not Be the Ideal Fit for Marcus Rashford Amidst Denial of Manchester United Rumors

Marcus Rashford made a mistake joining Barcelona because he won’t be given…

MICHAEL BEALE: For three years at Ibrox, I could rely on Gary McAllister and Steven Gerrard … transitioning from assistant to head coach felt like a whole new challenge

Michael Beale acknowledges that he’s been associated with a wave of negativity…

Financial expert reveals why Daniel Levy’s abrupt departure from Spurs was ‘unusual,’ as former players respond to chairman’s dismissal

Tottenham’s choice to part ways with Daniel Levy after nearly 25 years…