Slot finds Liverpool a creative maestro: Romano reports €71m deal

Fabrizio Romano says that Liverpool are exploring the possibility of making a €71 million move for RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons.

Liverpool are expected to complete a significant turnover of players during the summer, with fears still real that Mohamed Salah might leave the club as a free agent, despite recent reports indicating that he is close to a new Anfield deal.

Netherlands international Simons is one player who could replace the Egypt international icon, but Liverpool face stiff competition from Premier League giants Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The 21-year-old Simons is in his second season with RB Leipzig, who signed him on a permanent basis from PSG during the January transfer window. He completed a €50m move from the Ligue 1 leaders, with this fee potentially rising to €80m.

It was made immediately clear when this deal was struck by Romano and others, however, that Leipzig had one eye on turning a quick profit on the former Barcelona youth by selling him this summer.

Now Romano reports that Liverpool are “well informed” about Simons’ situation. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are similarly positioning themselves. The latest indications are that a fee of €71m will be enough to sign him.

Premier League beckons for Xavi Simons

According to various sources, a move to the Premier League is a serious option for Simons. In England, he is seen as a ‘future star’. The attacking midfielder, who can play both in the centre and on the flanks, has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 19 matches this season.

RB Leipzig’s sporting situation could also play a role in his decision. The club occupies a disappointing sixth place in the Bundesliga after 27 rounds and is three points behind Mainz, who lie fourth. This means that qualification for the Champions League is far from certain. If Leipzig misses out on the competition, Simons’ departure could be hastened.