Liverpool and the Manchester clubs are all lining up to sign RB Leipzig wizard Xavi Simons but will have to spend big money to win the race for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Arne Slot has yet to have a big summer transfer window and so naturally, Liverpool’s squad still very much has Jurgen Klopp’s “stamp” on it. That’s hardly a bad thing but with several areas of the squad in need of investment, it will be interesting to see how the Dutch coach alters the group of players available to him.
In defence, a new centre-back and left-back are necessary and that’s before Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contracts are taken into consideration. If either leaves, you can add another centre-back and a right-back to the shopping list.
Midfield will be interesting as it’s arguably the most balanced area of the squad with Ryan Gravenberch, in particular, thriving. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have been fantastic, so any midfield signings will likely arrive as backup options – at least initially.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Leipzig “could put Xavi Simons on the market this summer” with clubs in England particularly keen on recruiting him.
Manchester City see him as a potential heir to the world-class Kevin De Bruyne, who is seeing his remaining time in the Premier League marred by regular injuries which have so far sapped him of the pace and inspiration that previously marked his time in England.
Pep Guardiola reportedly views Simons as a target to replace De Bruyne, who is out of contract in the summer.
The report states that “Liverpool and Manchester United have also knocked on the door” but all three clubs will wince at the €100million (£83m) asking price.
Is Simons a necessary signing?
But even if he costs that much, Liverpool would do well to sign Simons. Not only is there the Dutch link between him and Arne Slot, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, but Simons is simply a wonderful player.
At surface level, you can see his talent from the 10 goals and 15 assists he got last season with six goals and five assists so far this season.
The lower tally this season might lead you to believe his performance has dropped this season but data from Fbref suggests he’s one of the very best creators in Europe right now.
Over the last 12 months, when compared to other attacking midfielders in Europe, he ranks in the 93rd percentile for progressive passes (6.63 per 90) and the 89th percentile (2.23) for key passes per 90.
Liverpool would thrive with a dynamic creator like Simons but it would take serious investment from FSG to get it done and there may be more pressing needs if there is a mass exodus in the summer.
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