Liverpool’s recruitment strategy for the upcoming summer transfer window appears to be shifting away from strengthening the midfield, as it is not seen as a top priority for sporting director Richard Hughes and his team.
Instead, attention is expected to turn toward other areas of the squad that may require significant reinforcement.
One such area is the defensive line, which could need major adjustments at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. This urgency is heightened by the fact that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract is nearing its expiration, potentially leaving a critical gap in Liverpool’s backline.
In addition to their defensive concerns, the club could face the possibility of a significant overhaul in their attack. This would be necessary if Mohamed Salah decides to leave Anfield in June, as his departure would create a massive void in Liverpool’s offensive structure.
Despite these pressing priorities, the Reds remain flexible in their approach to the market and are open to opportunistic signings if the right player becomes available. One such player is RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, who has emerged as a potential target.
According to Christian Falk, a journalist from BILD, RB Leipzig is reportedly open to selling the Dutch international during the summer transfer window.
This has attracted interest from several Premier League giants, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City. However, the central question is whether Liverpool would be prepared to meet the estimated transfer fee, which ranges between £58.5 million and £66.9 million, to secure the highly-rated attacking midfielder.
Xavi Simons is widely regarded as one of the most talented attacking midfielders in Europe’s top leagues. According to FBref data, he is an exceptional performer in several key offensive metrics.
For instance, he ranks in the 97th percentile for expected goals (xG) and in the 99th percentile for expected assists (xAG), highlighting his elite attacking contributions. Additionally, Simons excels in progressing the ball, ranking in the 99th percentile for both progressive carries and successful take-ons.
While his pass completion rate (25th percentile) is relatively low, his creativity and attacking influence more than compensate for this shortcoming.
Although Liverpool already possess a strong lineup of attack-oriented midfielders, the club is closely monitoring Simons’ situation. The recruitment team is evaluating whether his skill set and potential could make him a valuable addition to the squad as they prepare for the challenges of the next season.
