Liverpool ‘Confident’ in Beating Man City in the Race to Sign £60m Bundesliga Star – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Confident of Xavi Simons Coup Amid Man City Rivalry

Liverpool are reportedly feeling “confident” about beating Manchester City to the signature of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons this summer, according to Caught Offside. With elite clubs across Europe keeping tabs on the Dutch wonderkid, the Merseyside giants believe they hold a unique edge in the race for one of football’s most exciting prospects.

Dutch Connections Give Liverpool the Edge

Simons, just 21, has become one of Europe’s most coveted young midfielders, with a potential price tag of €70 million, per Caught Offside. While Manchester City are eager to line him up as a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne, Liverpool’s internal belief that they can pull off this deal stems from something more personal than money or prestige — national camaraderie.

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With Dutch stars Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch already at Anfield — not to mention fellow countryman Arne Slot taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp — Liverpool feel this shared heritage could be pivotal.

“Liverpool and Manchester City are among Simons’ main suitors at the moment, though the Reds feel their Dutch connection could give them a key advantage,” the article notes. It’s a valid strategy — players are often swayed not just by wages or Champions League football, but by environment, familiarity and trust in leadership.

Luis Diaz Future Adds Context

One of the more intriguing side notes to this rumour surrounds Luis Diaz. While Caught Offside claim that some figures at the club are eager to keep the Colombian winger, new boss Arne Slot is believed to have “some reservations about the player.”

That statement raises eyebrows. Diaz has been a fan favourite at times, but his performances have blown hot and cold since joining from Porto. With Barcelona and Saudi Pro League clubs circling, Liverpool might see now as the ideal time to cash in — particularly if they can secure an upgrade.

Photo: IMAGO

Simons, who has flourished in the Bundesliga and has Champions League experience under his belt, could provide the creative thrust from wide or central areas that Slot is believed to value. In a tactical sense, he’s a versatile option capable of injecting something different into Liverpool’s attack.

City Facing a Kevin De Bruyne-Sized Hole

On the blue half of Manchester, there’s a growing sense of urgency. Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed his departure from the Etihad this summer, ending a glorious chapter at City. As Caught Offside put it, “those will be some very big boots to fill.”

Simons is one of the few young players in Europe who could feasibly take on that mantle in a Pep Guardiola system — combining vision, dribbling, and positional intelligence. Yet the fact that City are in a more transitional moment, with an ageing core and tactical shifts on the horizon, may make Liverpool’s pitch all the more appealing.

Federico Chiesa Another Potential Departure?

It’s also worth noting the mention of Federico Chiesa, who could be moved on after a “difficult first season in English football.” The forward has massively struggled for fitness and game time since his £12m move from Juventus last summer.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Let’s be real: this is exactly the kind of transfer that gets the Kop buzzing.

Xavi Simons isn’t just hype — he’s got the technical quality, flair, and tactical discipline to shine in a high-intensity Liverpool side. Watching him glide past defenders and whip in a cross or pick a line-breaking pass? That’s Anfield theatre.

More than anything, this feels like a statement from Arne Slot and the recruitment team. Moving on from the Jurgen Klopp era was never going to be easy, but bringing in a player like Simons signals real intent. It tells the rest of Europe that Liverpool are not stepping back — they’re evolving.

And let’s not ignore the Dutch connection. This isn’t just a PR angle — players do care about having compatriots around, especially in such an intense, demanding environment. Van Dijk’s leadership, Gakpo’s support, Gravenberch’s camaraderie — that’s a locker room foundation that could genuinely help Simons settle and thrive.

If it comes down to cold strategy, Simons might lean toward City. But if it comes down to heart, heritage, and playing in front of the best fans in the world at Anfield? Then this could be Liverpool’s biggest midfield signing since Thiago. And unlike Thiago, Simons has a whole decade ahead of him.

One word: YES.