Liverpool are favourites to secure the signature of Xavi Simons ahead of Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City, according to reports.
The Daily Star (via ESPN) claim that the Reds are lining up the RB Leipzig player as a potential replacement for Mo Salah if the Egyptian leaves Anfield this summer.
Simons could cost €80m (£66m) and supporters on X are sceptical about his abilities:
Please no
— Anshul.Mjn (@AnshulMjn) March 3, 2025
This kid is obviously a decent player but might be the most overrated player in recent times, I’ve never seen anything to suggest he’s worth £80m
— ElChapmanoo (@ElChapmanoo) March 3, 2025
Not a Salah replacement at all. Elliott replacement if anything
— Flynny (@Flynny_06) March 2, 2025
mid
— Ahmedóv 🕊️ (@futballooc) March 2, 2025
45m max
— VICK HENDERSON 🔌🌍☀️⚡ (@Vickky01dboss) March 2, 2025
Same type of player as Felix. The idea of him is better than the reality
— jeromey rome (@MeruemTwz) March 3, 2025
Hard pass. Won't offer even half of Salah's GA
— Patrick (@B2Life33) March 2, 2025
Hope not as he’s terrible
— David Bott (@hotbott25) March 3, 2025
Why does Simons cost so much?
The Netherlands international only secured a permanent switch to Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain in January for a fee that could rise to €81m (£67m)
However, the Bundesliga side are only paying €50m (£41m) up front so if they sell him at the end of the season, they could make a bigger profit on him.
Due to the interest being shown in Simons (with Chelsea and Arsenal among the other clubs mentioned as potential suitors), Leipzig believe they can hold out for a sizeable asking price
Should Liverpool splash out on the player?
Simons is undoubtedly a unique talent. He can play in multiple positions across the front three in addition to his favoured role as a No.10.
However, some have (rightly) questioned his overall output. This season, the Dutchman has scored 7 goals and provided 4 assists in 23 appearances. It is not a bad return but it doesn’t suggest that he is worth €80m. Of course, at 21 years of age, he could well become more prolific in the future.
Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
