£60m Bundesliga Star on Liverpool’s Radar This Summer | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Xavi Simons as Creative Solution to Midfield Evolution

Simons Identified as Wirtz Alternative

Liverpool are retooling their attacking midfield and TEAMtalk reports that Arne Slot has set his sights on RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons as a prime target. The 22-year-old Dutch international, long hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young playmakers, has enjoyed a strong campaign in Germany with 11 goals and eight assists from 33 appearances.

TEAMtalk has been informed that, “Liverpool are among the clubs keen on a summer deal for Simons, who has played as a left-winger and attacking midfielder this season.”

Liverpool’s initial interest in Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has cooled due to Bayern Munich’s growing advantage in negotiations and the escalating price tag of over £100 million. In contrast, Simons would command a fee closer to £60 million — a valuation Leipzig are willing to entertain.

Photo IMAGO

Slot’s Tactical Fit

Simons represents the profile of player Slot values: technical quality, positional intelligence and relentless energy. Liverpool’s midfield rebuild last summer brought dynamism through Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Now, Simons offers an opportunity to add an injection of flair and directness, particularly in the half-spaces and final third.

The Dutch connection is noteworthy. TEAMtalk confirm, “Sources have told TEAMtalk that Liverpool manager Slot is an admirer of Simons’s technical quality and maturity, qualities honed during his breakout spell at PSV and Leipzig.”

His ability to operate as a No. 10, out wide, or even as a deeper creator makes him a valuable asset. It’s his versatility, vision, and work ethic that align with Liverpool’s pressing game and fluid positional play.

Interest from Stamford Bridge

Liverpool are not alone in tracking the former PSG talent. Chelsea have entered the frame and, according to TEAMtalk, “Sources have told us that Chelsea are also monitoring the former Paris Saint-Germain playmaker.”

Enzo Maresca, newly appointed at Stamford Bridge, seeks a flexible playmaker, and Simons fits the mould. However, while Chelsea might hold financial sway, Liverpool’s more coherent squad project and clearer pathway to first-team football could prove decisive.

There is also optimism in Simons’ camp about the Premier League move. “Sources suggest that Simons is enthusiastic about a Premier League move and would be keen to talk to interested parties, including Liverpool.”

Photo: IMAGO

Long-Term Planning for Liverpool

Beyond the buzz of the transfer window, Liverpool’s interest in Simons reflects a broader strategy under Slot. With the futures of some attacking players in flux and the need to maintain creativity from midfield, Simons would provide both depth and a starting option depending on system and opponent.

His age, experience across top European competitions, and compatibility with Slot’s footballing ideals make him a strong contender to be the next big move at Anfield.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is the kind of move that excites for all the right reasons. Simons is not only talented — he’s tailored to what this next phase of Liverpool should be under Arne Slot: younger, more dynamic, and tactically versatile.

The key with Simons is the balance. He brings enough flair to unlock deep-lying defences but isn’t a luxury player who disappears in transition. That blend is what made fans fall for players like Coutinho or Firmino in their prime — and it’s what the midfield has lacked at times, especially when opponents sit deep.

While Chelsea’s interest might concern some, Simons would be wise to choose the stability and structure of Anfield. At Liverpool, there’s a role for him — not just minutes. With Champions League football returning and a new managerial vision emerging, Simons could be the creative core Liverpool need to stay at the summit.

For £60 million, in today’s inflated market, it looks more like smart business than a gamble.