Report: Liverpool tracking €80m target ahead of summer rebuild | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye €80m Xavi Simons Deal: Summer Saga Brewing

Liverpool have reportedly entered the fray for Dutch sensation Xavi Simons, with the Merseyside club poised to check on his availability ahead of a potential summer swoop. The original report from CaughtOffside confirms that RB Leipzig are willing to part with the 21-year-old for around €80m – a drop from their original €100m valuation.

Simons has dazzled in the Bundesliga this season, showcasing the kind of versatile brilliance that would appeal to any top club. Whether drifting in from wide areas or pulling strings in the No.10 role, he has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects. His technical sharpness, ability to beat a man, and eye for goal make him a prime target.

Photo: IMAGO

Simons on Liverpool’s Radar as Transfer Battle Looms

“CaughtOffside understands the Reds are set to make a check on Simons‘ availability, while Manchester City are also lurking in the background.”

That particular detail raises eyebrows – not just because of the calibre of competition, but because it speaks to how highly Simons is now rated. Bayern Munich have previously pursued the former PSG talent, and with Manchester United also circling, this deal has the makings of a classic transfer saga.

Arne Slot’s First Big Move?

Simons would arrive at Anfield under new management. With Arne Slot taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp in May 2024, any major signing this summer would signal the start of a new era. Slot’s preference for high-tempo attacking football fits the Dutchman’s profile like a glove.

“The Dutchman can also play in a variety of other attacking roles, so could also perhaps come in to give Arne Slot more of a number 10 in his side.”

Photo: IMAGO

If Salah does depart in the next 12 months, as many anticipate, Simons would not be a like-for-like replacement – but he offers dynamism, creativity, and a sense of something unpredictable in the final third.

One to Watch as Summer Window Opens

This feels like one that could go the distance. Simons is a player in demand, and Leipzig appear willing to negotiate. While Liverpool aren’t alone in their pursuit, the idea of Slot building around a young, tactically flexible forward is tantalising.

“Liverpool will clearly have a battle on their hands for the former PSG man, but it looks like one they’re determined to win.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Sure, Xavi Simons is talented. Nobody doubts his flair or promise. But €80m? For a player with one standout season in a league where the pressure isn’t exactly Premier League-level intense? That’s a steep punt.

There’s something a little too “flashy signing” about this. Arne Slot’s first summer shouldn’t be about headlines – it should be about shoring up the side with proven, battle-tested talent.

And then there’s the Salah point. You don’t replace a generational goalscorer like-for-like, fair enough – but if you’re spending €80m, you need guaranteed end product. Simons is more potential than polish right now.

Also worth remembering: Liverpool have a long list of talented young attackers. Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak – where do they fit if we splash this kind of cash on another forward? And what message does that send?

Lastly, with Manchester City, Bayern and United circling, this could become a circus. Do we really want to be dragged into a bidding war?

By all means, keep tabs. But don’t make this the centrepiece of the rebuild. This summer is about smart recruitment – not flexing financial muscle for the sake of it.