Liverpool Pursue Dutch Star as Salah Replacement: A £80m Move on the Cards | OneFootball

Liverpool in Pole Position to Sign Xavi Simons: Potential Salah Replacement

Liverpool have been performing admirably this season, with hopes of securing more silverware, but as with any successful club, uncertainty looms over the future of some of their star players. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been crucial to Liverpool’s dominance in recent years, but their contracts are due to expire soon, raising questions about their long-term future at Anfield. Should any or all of these key figures depart, Liverpool will need to act quickly to find quality replacements. One name who could fit that bill is Xavi Simons, the talented Dutch playmaker currently at RB Leipzig.

Liverpool Leading the Race for Xavi Simons

According to The Daily Star, Liverpool are currently leading Manchester City and Manchester United in the pursuit of Xavi Simons, a player they see as an ideal potential replacement for Mohamed Salah. The 20-year-old has been impressing at Leipzig since joining on loan, before completing a permanent £50 million move last season. Simons has shown his worth as a versatile attacking option, capable of playing anywhere across the front line, including as a number 10 or even as a false nine.

“Liverpool are leading Manchester City and Manchester United in the race to sign talented Dutch playmaker, Xavi Simons, from RB Leipzig,” reports The Daily Star. This statement highlights how the Merseyside club is ahead of their competitors in the race to secure Simons’ signature. The Dutchman’s skill set fits well with Liverpool’s playing style, and his versatility would be a welcome addition to Arne Slot’s tactical system.

Photo: IMAGO

Versatile Player for Slot’s System

While Simons has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Salah, the Dutch international’s versatility offers even more value to Liverpool. Capable of playing across various attacking positions, Simons could easily slot into multiple roles depending on how Slot wishes to set up his team. His adaptability allows Slot to change tactical approaches mid-game, providing flexibility in attack. Whether it’s as a central playmaker or a wide forward, Simons offers Liverpool options for both the short and long term.

In the current season, Simons has already scored 7 goals and contributed 4 assists in just 11 appearances for Leipzig, further proving his potential. While the Dutchman has been highly rated since his La Masia days at Barcelona, it’s taken time for him to establish himself as a senior-level regular. However, his recent form shows he is now ready to step up, and Liverpool are in the perfect position to take advantage of his growing talent.

Xavi Simons: The Right Signing at the Right Time

Liverpool’s pursuit of Simons comes at a crucial time for the club. With uncertainty over the futures of key players like Salah, securing a signing like Simons would not only help mitigate the potential loss of their star forward but also bring in a highly versatile, promising talent who could flourish in Slot’s system.

Should Liverpool make a move for Simons, they would likely need to meet Leipzig’s asking price of around £80 million. Given his talent and potential, that figure seems reasonable, particularly if it secures a player who could provide immense value in the years to come.

Photo: IMAGO

Conclusion: A Strong Future for Liverpool’s Attack

Whether Salah stays or goes, Xavi Simons would be an excellent signing for Liverpool. His versatility, creativity, and potential make him an ideal fit for the club’s future attacking plans. While he could serve as a replacement for Salah if the Egyptian departs, his ability to adapt to different roles gives Slot the flexibility to adapt his tactical approach. Liverpool’s investment in Simons could pay off both immediately and in the long run, ensuring the club remains competitive on all fronts in the years ahead.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The potential signing of Xavi Simons feels like a step in the right direction. The uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s contract situation makes it all the more important for Liverpool to plan for the future. If Salah does leave, Simons offers a compelling option to fill that void. His versatility in attack is exactly what Liverpool need, giving Slot the flexibility to adjust tactics depending on the game.

Simons is a talent with the ability to contribute immediately, but what excites me most is his long-term potential. If Liverpool can secure him this summer, they would be making a smart investment in their future. His arrival could allow Liverpool to evolve their attacking setup, with or without Salah, ensuring that they continue to compete at the highest level.

It’s encouraging to see the club actively pursuing young talent like Simons, especially in a time when key players may be on their way out. Slot’s system is based on adaptability and fluidity, and Simons could become a key player in that dynamic. Whether he is an immediate starter or a long-term project, his signing would be a promising addition to Liverpool’s attack.