Xavi Simons playing at Euro 2024
Xavi Simons has caught the eye of Arne Slot according to reports
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Dutch youngster Xavi Simons - a player former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag once raved over.
Rumours linking Arne Slot with the 21-year-old forward are starting to gather pace as the Mohammed Salah contract saga intensifies. Slot's Liverpool are not in desperate need of firepower in January, given their current grip on the Premier League title but with Salah's future looking uncertain, links with several forwards are starting to emerge.
According to the Athletic, Liverpool hold a 'long-time admiration' of Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams and are a 'probable' landing spot for Lille star Jonathan David - who is out of contract in the summer - and Dutch star Simons.
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However, out of the three, it is Simons who caught the eye of ex-United boss Ten Hag when he reportedly chased him back in the summer. The youngster, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain, is a regular in the Dutch set-up and fits the profile of player Liverpool have historically gone for.
Simons, who is capable of playing in all three attacking positions, impressed at Euro 2024 back in the summer and earned special praise from Ten Hag after scoring a stunning strike in the 2-1 semi-final defeat against England.
"I enjoyed Xavi Simons in that game (against England)," he said. "The drive he has, the passion with which he conquers balls and recognises situations are top. His enormous drive as well. That is almost un-Dutch. I think you can see that he was trained abroad. He almost has a southern European doggedness in his game."
Simons began his professional life in Barcelona and moved to PSG in July 2019. However, he then signed for Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven in June 2022 before returning to the Paris side for €6 million in July 2023.
Ten Hag and Slot both admire Dutch star Xavi Simons
Ten Hag and Slot both admire Dutch star Xavi Simons
Since his return to France he has spent the last two seasons on loan at Bundesliga outfit Leipzig. He continues to ply his trade in Germany for the 2024/2025 season, where he has so far registered two goals and one assist from the left wing in seven starts.
The Athletic have reported that if Simons were to leave PSG once again come the summer, Liverpool would be seen as one of the most likely destinations. The outlet goes on to say that those close to the situation are said to "forecast a move to the Premier League or La Liga" with the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern and Real Madrid all interested.
During Euro 2024, Simons remained tight-lipped about his future, preferring not to speculate. He said: "I was happy in Paris. Things have happened. Now, I was in Leipzig this year. We'll see after the Euros."
Along with their interest in Simons, The Athletic also states that Canada’s David is highly rated by Liverpool. They report that the 24-year-old, who will be "one of the most sought-after free agents in the market next summer", is now set to move on with the Reds clear admirers.
Nico Williams is reportedly a target for Liverpool ( Image: Getty Images)
It was also revealed that Martin Zubimendi, the midfielder who turned down a move to Anfield in the summer, is possibly having a change of heart after deciding to stay in Spain and could soon move on.
However, any switch will unlikely take place in the January transfer window, and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will even renew their interest. Ryan Gravenberch‘s imperious form in Liverpool's engine room now may force Slot and his backroom staff to look to bolster other areas of the squad.
Another target the Reds are rumoured to hold "a long-standing admiration" for is Spain star Williams. According to the same report, the Athletic Bilbao winger is set to move in 2025, with Liverpool a possible destination.
Meanwhile, Salah's situation remains up in the air after revealing last week that he has not been offered an extension of his deal, which runs out in the summer. The Egyptian, who is said to be open to signing a one-year extension despite becoming 'exasperated' by the saga, has been in sensational form this season, with 13 goals and 11 assists.
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