Following RB Leipzig’s worst Bundesliga campaign since their promotion all the way back in 2016-17, Xavi Simons reportedly has his heart set on a move away, just over six months after making the move permeant in January.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Arsenal are both discussing a potential move for the 22-year-old, while other reports have linked Simons with moves to European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Simons was a standout at RB Leipzig missed out on European football in its entirety, finishing all the way down in seventh, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in his 33 games across all competitions.
He clearly has the ability to make it at one of the continent’s top clubs, even is PSG decided to ship him out. Here we asses which club Simons should join.
Style of play
Versatile and technically gifted with an engine most players would envy, Simons’ is the archetypal modern playmaker. His close control is fantastic, keeping the ball glued to his feet as he wriggles past opponents, utilising his low centre of gravity to get out of trouble.
Don’t let his dribbling ability fool you, he can still play a through ball like the best of them. He has quite the eye for a pass but can sometimes get a little ahead of himself, and his attempted miracle ball can lead to losing possession. No risk, no reward, though.
He’s also capable of playing anywhere behind the striker. Simons has been deployed on either wing as well as the number ten position, although if he does have to play out wide, he prefers being on the left and cutting in so he can use his preferred right foot.
Of course, there are areas to improve, particularly if he is to move to the Premier League. He’ll need to beef up a little bit if he wants to wrestle with the likes of William Saliba and Virgil van Dijk, but that’s something that can come in time.
Where would Xavi Simons fit in at Chelsea?
It’s no surprise Chelsea are interested in Simons considering their recent history of signing elite young talent. They’re also incredibly opportunistic when it comes to the transfer window; if they think they can get a good deal, they will pursue it.
If Simons is pushing for a move to Stamford Bridge, he’ll need to consider one man, Cole Palmer. The clueless genius plays in the exact positions Simons would want to, and it’s unlikely Palmer would be dropped or, God forbid, sold any time soon.
Play time would be pretty limited if Simons was to join Chelsea, although Enzo Maresca was clearly willing to try new thing throughout their FIFA Club World Cup winning campaign, notably playing Palmer off the right in the final.
How about Arsenal?
One thing Mikel Arteta lacked last season was that “spark,” a player that can take the game by the scruff of the neck and make magic happen. Bukayo Saka is usually that man, but after a few months out injured, Arsenal learned the hard way they can’t rely on one man.
They’ve already signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea, but he is inconsistent at the best of times, and according to TalkSPORT, they’re also in for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, so Arteta is clearly aware of the problem.
It’s understood that Eze is their first choice, but Simons isn’t too far behind him. The Dutchman can provide that aforementioned “spark” and then some, it would probably just take him a little time to get there.
Should he return to Barcelona?
Simons went viral during his time at La Masia. His long curly hair and silky skills made him easily recognisable, but he never broke into the first team, leaving to join PSG back in 2020, and doing pretty well for himself since then.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona sporting director Deco has met with Simons’ representatives as they seek to bolster their attacking line-up following an incredible season for Hansi Flick’s side.
He won’t come cheap, however, with RB Leipzig said to have an asking price of €70 million, and Barcelona aren’t exactly in a fantastic financial situation. There would have to be some major sales if the La Liga champions want to get this one over the line.
There is also an argument to made as to whether they need him in the first place. Barcelona already have Fermin Lopez, Frenkie De Jong and Dani Olmo, capable of playing in Simons’ preferred position, it’s hardly a priority.
Remain in the Bundesliga and head to Bayern Munich?
It has been a nightmare transfer window for Bayern so far. They’ve missed out on Florian Wirtz, Jamie Gittens, Luis Diaz, and Nico Williams already. Factor in the departure of Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala’s horror injury, they’re starting to look short on numbers up top.
Bayern have a history of hoovering up the Bundesliga’s best talent from their would-be rivals, and Simons fits the bill. Not only would they sign the type of player they desperately need, but it would also significantly weaken Leipzig.
He also knows the league, something that can’t be underestimated. The Bundesliga has a very particular way of playing, with most teams playing a 4-2-3-1 with a mid-to-low block. Keeping that familiarity could well make Simons one of the league’s greatest stars down the line.
Verdict
Simons absolutely has the ability to make it at any of these clubs, but for some he would have to work harder than others. For right now, staying in Germany and signing for Bayern would be his best bet, but if he wants to test himself with the best, he should push for a move to Arsenal.
The more likely of the two is Bayern, however.