The 'monster' £70m midfielder Manchester City should go all out for to replacement Kevin De Bruyne

The transfer window might have only recently closed, but the best teams always have a list of top players they are keeping an eye on. Manchester City have been linked to PSG’s Xavi Simons, who has quietly built a reputation as a ‘monster’ midfielder.

This summer, De Bruyne was reportedly open to a move to Saudi Arabia, but in the end, he chose to stay and see what more he could achieve with Manchester City for another year. However, the reality is that he isn’t getting any younger, and the club will have to move him on at some point.

Simons has been solid once again in the first few games of the season. The 21-year-old has impressed since rejoining RB Leipzig on loan from PSG, contributing a goal and an assist in his first three matches this season. This adds to his remarkable tally of ten goals and 15 assists in the 2023-24 season.

He’s the kind of player who plays well beyond his years, and several clubs have taken notice. Manchester City will need to act swiftly if they want to stay ahead of the competition.

The traits that make Simons such a hot prospect are the same ones that have made De Bruyne a massive success in his career. Simons has the ability to play as a winger, a central midfielder, and even as a defensive midfielder. He’s essentially a younger version of the Belgian star. Although PSG are likely to demand a fee in the region of £70 million, Manchester City have managed their transfers wisely, and a deal like that is certainly within their reach. It’s the kind of signing that keeps them winning in style.

Simons has a unique ability to create chances for his teammates, often unlocking defences with key passes. His creativity in the final third mirrors De Bruyne’s role at Manchester City, where playmaking from midfield is crucial. Additionally, there’s the age factor-those close to Pep Guardiola say he’s fixated on young players who have the potential to grow and improve even further.

Many players have taken their game to the next level after working with the Spanish manager, and a move to City could be a match made in heaven for Simons.

Another underrated aspect of De Bruyne’s game, which Simons also embodies, is his work rate. These kinds of players are invaluable, with the kind of energy that inspires those around them.

For a player that young, with such a high price tag and immense ability, working under Guardiola’s management would mean only one thing: Simons developing to his full potential while Manchester City secure yet another player who can help them remain the standard-bearers in both England and Europe.