Looking at, a small attacker like Xavi Simons was not suitable for the Premier League, especially in a team that had too many players, typically Cole Palmer. So why did Chelsea still love the Dutch star so much?
There was a move related to the future of Xavi Simons. After Bayern asked to buy this player but then switched to other goals, Arsenal and Chelsea showed specific interest. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: “Xavi Simons has opened the door to Chelsea after direct contact with his representative! The negotiations between clubs will start Tuesday when Chelsea and Leipzig discuss contract terms. For Chelsea, this deal depends on the sale of players. head”.
The most specific choice now is Chelsea. Under the owner of Todd Boehly, Chelsea was extremely active in the transfer market. If an agreement could be reached with the representative of Simons, Chelsea was willing to propose to Leipzig. The Red Bulls Group is looking for about 70 million euros for the Dutch star, who still has a contract until 2027.
If an agreement can be achieved, Simons will become the third contract from Leipzig to Chelsea for a fee of 50 million euros or more since 2020. Chelsea has signed a contract with Timo Werner for 53 million euros in 2020 and then supplemented Christopher Nkunku for 60 million euros plus fees in 2023. Both players are in the most expensive number of contracts in the history of Leipigg.
Chelsea spent 243.8 million euros for new players this summer – more than any other club. Among the rookies, there were Kendry Paez midfielder and left wing striker Jamie Gittens from Dortmund. Theoretically, Paez and Simons have the same gameplay, but the Ecuador player will be lent to the Strasbourg partner club. Like Gittens, Simons can also play on the left wing, but the new contract from Dortmund is more about a traditional winger than the Dutch player.
Although Chelsea has the largest squad in the Premier League with 44 players in the contract, recruiting Simons is still reasonable. Being able to play as a constructive midfielder or a household behind the 9th striker, Xavi will be a valuable backup plan for Cole Palmer and an upgrade compared to Joao Felix.
Gittens, Tyrique George are rivals of Simons on the left. Simons also played on the right wing. In fact, flexibility will turn him into a value addition to Chelsea, although the club has a very strong squad.
Leipzig originally borrowed Xavi from PSG in 2023. The loan was extended before the 2024/25 season and included an option to buy off for an additional price of 50 million euros. That option was activated in January. As part of that agreement, PSG will receive a percentage of future transfer profits.
Initially, Leipzig activated the purchase option to have a new contract time and protect the player's value. But Leipzig missed the European football attendance, making the contract extension not possible.
That also means Simons decided to leave the Bundesliga Club. In fact, the relationship between players and clubs has not really been really good in the past few months. Xavi is an excellent player of Leipzig, scoring 18 goals and creating 20 times in 57 matches in the Bundesliga. Moreover, despite internal conflicts, both sides are ready to move forward.
