Xavi Simons wants to leave RB Leipzig despite recently extending his contract until June 2027. The 22-year-old Dutch international feels he can no longer progress at the German club and is seeking a move to regularly compete in the Champions League.
The former Barcelona youth player and PSG midfielder has several suitors, with Manchester City among the clubs interested in securing his services. However, Simons isn't City's top priority at the Etihad Stadium.
According to L'Equipe, Pep Guardiola's side considers Simons as their Plan B. Their primary target is Rayan Cherki, the 21-year-old French talent from "Olympique Lyon".
Interestingly, negotiations with Cherki have advanced significantly in recent hours. The parties are reportedly close to reaching a contractual agreement, though the deal isn't finalized yet. City is expected to submit an official offer to the Ligue 1 club very soon.
For Simons, this situation creates uncertainty about his immediate future. The Dutch international, who developed through Barcelona's famous La Masia academy before his PSG stint, clearly wants a new challenge at a club competing at the highest level. Will he end up at City if the Cherki deal falls through, or is another Champions League contender preparing to make a move?
