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Liverpool target Xavi Simons will reportedly be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) next summer. According to reports, the Premier League side were 'extremely keen' on the Dutchman this summer.
Under new manager Arne Slot, the Reds were publicly courting midfielders in the summer with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi their prime target. A failure to sign him, however, did not push them into signing an alternative.
Simons, however, provides a different dynamism to the midfield. Adept at playing in an advanced position as well as on the wing, he can be compared with Liverpool's Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai rather than a holding midfielder.
With the club well-stocked in that department, they didn't make their interest in the Dutchman concrete. According to Bild journalist Yvonne Gabriel, PSG would like to sell Xavi Simons in the summer, who they value at around €80 million.
If Simons joins Liverpool, the 21-year-old would find familiar faces at the club. The Reds have Netherlands international Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch in their squad while their manager Arne Slot is also a Dutchman.
The report, however, adds that the Reds could face competition from both Manchester clubs for the midfielder, who has described the Premier League as his 'dream destination'. He is said to have rejected an opportunity to join Manchester United this summer in favor of Leipzig, who he felt would be a better choice for his development.
"I love winning" - Liverpool target Simons after joining Leipzig on loan
Simons' young career has already seen him play at PSG, PSV, and RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old was part of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy between 2010 and 2019 before joining Ligue 1 giants PSG.
Following two seasons with the youth team, he made his debut with the senior team in December 2021. After seeing his pathway at the club blocked, the dynamic midfielder was sold to PSV in the summer of 2022 in a deal that iincluded a €6 million buy-back clause.
PSG activated the clause within a season and sent him on loan to RB Leipzig in the same window. After talks with manager Luis Enrique, the 21-year-old returned to the Bundesliga side for the 2024/25 season.
Speaking to the Bundesliga website, Simons expressed his delight at returning to Leipzig and also spoke about his ambition.
"I'm delighted to be here again. I love winning. I love going out and giving everything on the pitch. The club knows that and has the same DNA. It's the ideal place here to develop further and make the next step," he said.
"I wanted to make the best decision for my career, and that's what I've done. I can take the next step here," he added.
With data being a key factor in recruitment at Liverpool, Simons' statistics would definitely interest the club. The Netherlands international scored 10 goals and completed 15 assists last season with Leipzig.
Moreover, as per data analytics platform FBref, he features among the top 1% among all attacking midfielders in Europe's top 5 leagues for shots, shot-creating actions, progressive carries, and successful take-ons per 90 minutes.
