Nathan Ake reacts to Xavi Simons’ ‘incredible’ message amid Man City rumours
Nathan Ake has reacted to Xavi Simons’ message to the RB Leipzig supporters amid links with a move to Man City this summer.
The Dutchman has risen to fame over the last two seasons, notching 21 goals and 21 assists in 76 appearances with the Bundesliga star, also becoming a key figure on the international stage.
With the news that Kevin De Bruyne is set to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, Simons could be seen as a replacement for the Man City legend, and fans are very excited about his potential arrival.
While Pep Guardiola‘s side are still battling for a spot in the Champions League ahead of next season, RB Leipzig bottled any chance of playing European football following a final-day defeat to VfB Stuttgart.
Man City to replace Kevin De Bruyne with Xavi Simons
Taking to Instagram (19 May), Simons wrote: “This season has been tough, full of unexpected challenges and setbacks. Life sometimes throws obstacles our way, but it’s in these moments that we grow the most.
“Despite the difficulties, this club will be back where it belongs. Thank you, fans, for the incredible support during the season,” gaining likes of Arsenal‘s Jurrien Timber and Man City’s Ake.
Pep Guardiola to rebuild Man City squad after difficult 2024/25 campaign
Football Insider verdict
Man City are still in with a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League this season, but it has been far from the ideal campaign for those at the Etihad Stadium.
City were beaten by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, knocked out of the EFL Cup and Champions League at early stages, and never looked like reclaiming the Premier League title.
Now, the supporters will have to wave goodbye to one of the greatest-ever players in the club’s history, with John Stones, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Ederson all possibly leaving Man City this summer.
| Player | Appearances | Goal | Assists |
| Xavi Simons | 76 | 21 | 21 |
Qualifying for the Champions League again, and avoiding dropping down to the Europa League, could certainly help persuade Simons over a move to England this summer, and he would be the centre of a rebuild.
There are no doubts about the 22-year-old’s abilities on the pitch, and with a similar playing style to Phil Foden, City’s attack would be sorted for the next decade if the club could keep hold of him.