Erik ten Hag Weighs Up Loan Move for Xavi Simons as Manchester United Pursues Dutch Revolution

As Manchester United's pre-season gets underway, manager Erik ten Hag is considering a loan move for Netherlands' attacking midfielder Xavi Simons. Ten Hag has already lined up deals worth £76million for Dutch duo Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Light, and is now keen on bringing Simons to Old Trafford. The 21-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star impressed Ten Hag with his drive and passion during a recent match against England.

Key Takeaways:

• Erik ten Hag has lined up a £76million move for Dutch duo Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Light from Bologna and Bayern Munich respectively.
• Ten Hag is weighing up a loan move for Xavi Simons, a 21-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star, after being impressed by his performance against England.
• Simons spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig and has a £5million deal with PSG, who are willing to let him go on loan again with an obligation to buy.
• Ten Hag has been impressed by Kobbie Mainoo, a teenager who helped England eliminate the Netherlands in the Euros, and believes he is a great talent technicly and mentally.
• Jadon Sancho has returned to training at Manchester United after resolving his differences with Ten Hag, and will be available for selection after the pre-season friendly against Rosenborg.
• Senior players including Andre Onana, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Marcus Rashford have returned to Carrington ahead of pre-season.

Statistics:

• £76million: the combined value of the loan deals for Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Light.
• £5million: the deal between PSG and Simons' previous club PSV Eindhoven.
• £73million: the fee Manchester United paid for Jadon Sancho in July 2021.
• 21 years old: the age of Xavi Simons.
• 24 years old: the age of Jadon Sancho.
• 2021: the year Jadon Sancho joined Manchester United.
• 2023: the year Simons rejoined PSG in a £5million deal.

Sources:

• [Simon Mullock, The Mirror]
• [Manchester United, Club website]