1 month ago
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Early talks
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There is finally movement regarding Xavi Simons’ future. After Bayern Munich inquired for the player but then moved on to other targets, Arsenal and Chelsea have now shown concrete interest in signing the 22-year-old RB Leipzig playmaker. Sources confirmed a report by Fabrizio Romano that Xavi wants to leave the Bundesliga club, but the market has been somewhat limited. Now, in late July, with clubs making moves, there might be some momentum building for Xavi to leave Leipzig.
The most concrete option at the moment are Chelsea. Under owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea have been incredibly active on the transfer market, and the Dutchman might now become the latest player added to an ever-increasing list of transfers under the Americans’ ownership. According to a report by Sky, Chelsea have now contacted the player's camp to investigate a potential transfer. If a deal can be reached with the Xavi camp, Chelsea are willing to make an offer to Leipzig. Transfermarkt understands that the Red Bulls are seeking in the region of €70 million for the Dutch national team player, who is still under contract until 2027.
If an agreement can be reached, Simons would become the third transfer from Leipzig to Chelsea for a fee of €50m or more since 2020. Chelsea signed Timo Werner for €53m in 2020 and then added Christopher Nkunku for €60m plus add-ons in 2023. Both players are among the ten most expensive outgoing transfers in Leipzig’s club history. Chelsea, in turn, have already spent €243.8m for new players this summer. More than any other club. Among the signings are playmaker Kendry Páez and left-winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. In theory, Páez and Simons are a similar profile, but the Ecuadorian will be loaned to partner club Strasbourg. Like Gittens, Simons can also play on the left, but the new arrival from Dortmund is more of a traditional winger than the Dutchman.
Why do Chelsea want Xavi Simons? Can play several positions
Although Chelsea have the biggest squad in the Premier League with 44 players under contract, signing Simons could make sense. Capable of playing as a playmaker or behind a no.9, Xavi would be a valuable backup to Cole Palmer and an upgrade to João Félix. Out wide, Gittens, Tyrique George, and the currently banned Mykhaylo Mudryk are the only competitors on the left wing. Simons has also featured on the right-wing. Indeed, his versatility would make him a valuable addition to Chelsea, despite the club already having a very deep squad.
Why is Xavi available? Leipzig originally loaned Xavi from PSG in 2023. That loan was extended ahead of the 2024/25 season and included an option to make the transfer permanent for an additional €50m. That option was triggered last January. As part of that deal, PSG will receive a percentage of any future transfer profit. Initially, Leipzig triggered the option to buy for time to sign a new contract and protect the player’s value. But Leipzig missed out on European football, making an extension impossible.
It also meant that Xavi decided to move on from the Bundesliga club. In fact, the relationship between the player and the club hasn’t been exactly stellar over the last few months. In contrast, when fit, Xavi was an excellent player for Leipzig, scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists in 57 Bundesliga games. Furthermore, despite internal conflicts that involved more than just Xavi, the player made it clear that he identified with the city and the club. Ultimately, it comes down to both sides just being ready to move on.
