'Xavi Simons to walk straight into Liverpool starting XI' amid Luis Diaz claim
03/23/2025 05:30 PM
Liverpool have been backed to complete the signing of RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons as they aim to strengthen in the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who is also capable of playing out wide, moved from PSG to Leipzig in January following a successful loan spell.
However, long-standing interest from Liverpool is set to emerge once more in the summer as Arne Slot looks to bolster his attacking options.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that the future of Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo could be vital to whether Liverpool move for Simons.
Meanwhile, the futures of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota remain uncertain and could inspire the Reds to reach an agreement.
This comes after industry insider Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool could cash in on Diaz to make way as they target the signing of a world-class forward.
Liverpool eye big-money Xavi Simons deal after Luis Diaz twist
Football Insider revealed on 15 February that Liverpool will have to pay £60million for Simons if they want to pry him away from RB Leipzig.
The Netherlands international made his loan move from PSG to the Bundesliga outfit permanent for a fee of £50million in January, but could be tempted to make immediate profit.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson insisted Simon would “certainly” be handed a starting place in the Liverpool side, but a deal will not be cheap if they plan to make a move.
“It depends if Liverpool are going to spend money this summer,” he told Football Insider.
“Xavi Simons is 21, he’s contracted until June 2027 so he’s not going to be a cheap option.
“He’s got eight goals and five assists so far this season, and he carried a £50million price tag, so it’s going to be a hefty price tag now.
“He’s a good player, an attack-minded midfielder, can play out wide.
“If you lose Mo Salah, he gives you another option, but look at the left-hand side, it depends what happens with Gakpo and Diaz.
“I like Gakpo, I’m surprised he hasn’t had a bigger impact for Liverpool this year.
“I think Xavi Simons would come in and he would certainly start, he would be the type of player Liverpool are going to look at.
“But again, he comes with a decent price tag.”
Darwin Nunez update emerges as Al-Hilal bid rejected
Diaz is not the only forward who could be on his way out of Liverpool this summer as Slot eyes up a potential reshuffle of his attacking options.
Football Insider revealed on 23 March that Nunez will be the first to leave Liverpool this summer as he is unhappy that he was not allowed to leave the club in January.
A bid from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal was turned down by Slot’s side as they planned to keep their squad strong for the latter stages of the season.
However, there is a now a feeling that the Uruguay international could be allowed to leave as he is no longer considered part of their long-term plans.
For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
The post 'Xavi Simons to walk straight into Liverpool starting XI' amid Luis Diaz claim appeared first on Football Insider.
