Liverpool and Xavi Simons: The Transfer Saga Continues

Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of top talent continues to keep the fanbase buzzing with excitement. One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside is RB Leipzig’s attacking midfielder, Xavi Simons. According to reports from Anfield Watch, journalist Dylan Mangan sheds light on the situation, particularly regarding Liverpool’s connection to the talented Dutch player.

Simons, currently enjoying a successful loan spell at RB Leipzig, has a growing reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. His standout performances at EURO 2024 for the Netherlands, including a crucial goal against England in the semi-final, have only increased his market value and appeal to some of Europe’s top clubs. As Mangan notes, “Liverpool were reported to be interested in signing the PSG player during the summer, but he decided to return to RB Leipzig on a loan deal for one more year.”

Simons and the Premier League Dream

The connection between Simons and the Premier League seems strong, particularly with reports from BILD suggesting that the young midfielder has ambitions to play in England. Mangan cites German journalist Yvonne Gabriel, who explained the situation further, noting, “Darren [Dein] naturally has top connections on the island, but it’s fair to say that the whole league has long had Xavi on its radar.”

Simons’ links to England are more than just superficial. He recently took on Darren Dein as his advisor, a move seen as a direct indication of his desire to make the switch to the Premier League in the near future. Darren Dein, the son of David Dein, who was instrumental in the foundation of the Premier League, certainly knows his way around English football. This, combined with Simons’ reported £68 million price tag, positions him as one of the most talked-about prospects for Premier League sides like Liverpool.

Arne Slot’s Connection to Simons

What adds another layer to this story is Liverpool’s connection through their current manager, Arne Slot. Mangan’s report hints at a growing relationship between Slot and Simons, noting that “Liverpool were also extremely keen on him this summer. There is a good connection to coach Arne Slot.” Slot’s tactical vision and ability to nurture young, dynamic players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister could make Liverpool an appealing destination for Simons.

For Liverpool fans, the prospect of Slot adding another versatile, attacking midfielder to the squad raises questions about where Simons would fit into an already competitive lineup. Simons can operate in various positions, whether it’s an attacking midfield role or as a winger, giving Slot flexibility in his formations. At Leipzig, Simons is the team’s focal point, but as Mangan rightly points out, “if he was to move to Liverpool, he would need to get used to being one of a number of highly talented players rather than the biggest star at the club.”

Competition for Places in a Stacked Liverpool Squad

The competition for starting positions at Liverpool is fierce. Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and other attacking midfield options mean that Simons would face stiff competition for a place in Slot’s starting eleven. However, Simons has never been one to shy away from a challenge. As Gabriel concludes in her interview with BILD, “One thing is clear, as his career plan shows, Xavi chooses every step very consciously. It’s all about playing time, a lot of confidence and his big dream of wanting to win everything.”

Liverpool have historically been a club that provides opportunities for young talents to grow and achieve greatness. Simons could certainly fit that mould, but his decision will depend on playing time and development opportunities, just as it did when he turned down Manchester United in favour of RB Leipzig.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From the perspective of Liverpool fans, Simons represents the kind of dynamic and versatile player who could add real value to the squad. His ability to play across the midfield and attacking positions, combined with his strong mentality, makes him an attractive proposition. With Arne Slot at the helm, Liverpool’s style has evolved to emphasise high-energy pressing and technical midfield play. Simons’ attributes align well with Slot’s tactical demands, and his experience at Leipzig, where he was central to their play, would undoubtedly benefit Liverpool’s push for domestic and European success.

However, there’s no escaping the fact that Liverpool’s midfield is already crowded. Slot’s tactical preferences mean competition for places is at an all-time high, and Simons would need to adjust to the demands of English football quickly. The key question for Liverpool fans remains: will Simons have the patience and determination to fight for his place, or could he seek guaranteed starting roles elsewhere? Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain – if Liverpool manage to secure his signature, they will have a gem on their hands.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

Xavi Simons has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in European football, and a closer look at his stats over the past 365 days, provided by Fbref, paints a compelling picture. The data reveals Simons’ abilities as an attacking midfielder and winger, highlighting his key contributions across various performance metrics.

Attacking Output Stands Out

In terms of attacking output, Simons excels in several key areas. His shot-creating actions are in the 95th percentile, placing him among the best in his position. This shows his ability to drive forward and create opportunities for teammates. He also ranks highly for expected assisted goals (xAG), with a percentile of 92, further emphasising his effectiveness in creating chances. Simons’ expected goals (xG) without penalties stands at a respectable 80th percentile, showing that he’s consistently involved in dangerous attacking positions.

Possession Play and Progression

Simons’ contribution in possession is equally impressive. His progressive passes received, with an 86th percentile ranking, show that he’s a key target in advanced areas of the pitch. Simons also ranks 89th in progressive passes and 81st in carries, indicating his effectiveness in progressing the ball both through passing and dribbling. His take-ons are another strength, placing him in the 85th percentile for successful take-ons, a crucial aspect for an attacking midfielder.

Defensive Stats Reveal Areas for Improvement

On the defensive side, Simons shows some vulnerabilities. His aerial duel success (37th percentile) and tackle plus interception metrics (40th percentile) suggest that while he’s a willing defender, this is not where his primary strengths lie. His clearance rate (3rd percentile) also indicates that his focus is primarily on the attacking and possession phases.

Overall, Simons’ performance data underscores his value as a dynamic, attacking talent, with room for growth defensively.