Liverpool was contemplating a summer acquisition of PSG star Xavi Simons, as reported by a writer, while Arne Slot informed the player he may have succeeded that “his statistics need to improve.”
The Merseysiders were the final team among 132 in Europe’s top seven leagues to secure a signing this summer, as Liverpool waited until the closing days of the transfer window to finalize the acquisition of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardasvili from Valencia and winger Federico Chiesa in a cost-effective deal from Juventus.
The nature of the recent transactions was not due to a lack of effort, as the Reds nearly secured Martin Zubimendi, who ultimately declined the offer at the last moment, despite having consented to personal terms and with sporting director Richard Hughes indicating a readiness to fulfill the £50.5m (€60m, $66.9m) release clause in his contract.
Recently, it has come to light that another midfield acquisition was also considered this summer, as Bild writer Yvonne Gabriel disclosed interest in PSG player Simons.
Gabriel confirmed on the FC Bayern Insider podcast that PSG intends to transfer the Dutch playmaker in 2025, stating, “PSG would like to sell him next year, but Xavi envisions himself at a more prestigious club.”
“His valuation, reportedly exceeding €80m (£67.4m, $89.4m), is unrealistic for Leipzig.” Given such financial figures, the Premier League inevitably becomes relevant, regarded as Xavi’s aspirational goal; this is the rationale behind his engagement of a new advisor, the Englishman Darren Dyne, a year prior.
The entire league has consistently monitored Xavi’s progress. Liverpool exhibited significant interest in him this summer, and there exists a strong rapport with coach Arne Slot.
Simons may transfer in 2025 as Slot provides counsel to Szoboszlai.
Gabriel has already criticized PSG’s decision to permit Simons to stay at Leipzig for an additional year, where he thrived during the 2023/24 season, netting 10 goals and providing 15 assists in 43 games.
RB Leipzig is undoubtedly happy that Xavi Simons will remain for a another year. Gabriel stated earlier this month that the boss’s primary aspiration is for his ruthless mindset to be instilled in the entire club, ideally resulting in championship victories.
“Regardless, it is evident that the likelihood of Xavi remaining at Leipzig beyond this season is exceedingly low.”
In addition to Liverpool, Gabriel asserts that Manchester United considered Simons over the summer, while he argues that Manchester City may pursue him if Kevin De Bruyne leaves.
Xavi rejected the offer from Manchester United and was resolute in his decision to join Leipzig, perceiving superior development prospects there.
“Certainly, Manchester City, where Kevin de Bruyne’s contract concludes in 2025, should also be on his consideration list.”
Had Liverpool acquired Simons, he would have faced direct competition for a position with Dominik Szoboszlai, who started his scoring for the season in Tuesday night’s impressive 3-1 victory over AC Milan in the Champions League.
The 23-year-old has achieved his eighth goal in Liverpool colors, and Slot has urged him to increase his goal tally.
“He has been crucial for us, particularly in our current efforts when we lack possession.” “He has excelled in his pressing game,” Slot said.
“We need to enhance his involvement in scoring goals and generating opportunities for us.”
“If I recall accurately, he scored three goals in the league last season, and for an attacking midfielder at Liverpool, his statistics must improve.”
“I am thoroughly satisfied with his performance thus far, and I am completely confident that if he plays alongside such high-quality teammates, his inherent talent will ultimately result in an increased goal tally for us.”
Liverpool anticipates Mo Salah’s departure, as the club is more apprehensive about his leaving from Anfield at the conclusion of the season, according to TEAMtalk.
His contract is set to expire in June 2025, and the player recently incited concern among supporters with a remark stating, “as you know this is my last year,” during a live broadcast on Sky Sports.
Nonetheless, figures like as Jamie Carragher, Daniel Sturridge, and former goalkeeper Adrian have explicitly articulated their reasons for anticipating Salah’s contract extension.
TEAMtalk had an exclusive interview with former Manchester United player Owen Hargreaves on Wednesday, clarifying his reasons for anticipating a rejection of a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
TNT Sports analyst Hargreaves stated to TEAMtalk, “I cannot envision him participating in a lesser league.”
He recognizes that departing on a free transfer provides him a significant advantage, particularly given his current performance. He have a considerable amount to contribute.
Sources affiliated with Liverpool have a ‘expectation’ that this will be Salah’s concluding season at Anfield. The Egyptian international is expected to transfer to the Saudi Pro League next season.
What contributions would Xavi Simons provide?
If Liverpool were to pursue Simons, they would get one of the premier goalscoring midfielders and creative talents in the sport.
After establishing his reputation at Barcelona’s academy, he made his league debut following a transfer to PSG; nevertheless, integrating him into their constellation of stars eventually proved challenging for several of their coaches.
It was only after transferring on loan to PSV that Simons truly realized his early career potential, contributing a remarkable 36 goals during the season under the direction of Ruud van Nistelrooy, currently an assistant coach at Manchester United.
He had another remarkable season in Germany, attracting the interest of the Premier League’s top clubs.
His performance resulted in consistent playing time with the national team, where he has now earned 22 caps and scored three goals—all in 2024—one of which was a powerful shot that provided the Netherlands with the lead in the Euro 2024 semi-final versus England.
Although the Three Lions rallied to victory, Simons may become a more recognizable presence in the Premier League next season if he secures the significant deal that PSG is prepared to discuss.
