Xavi Simons is one of Dutch football’s brightest talents and has been linked with Newcastle United.
Dutch sensation Xavi Simons has reportedly told RB Leipzig he wants to leave this summer amid Newcastle United interest.
At just 22, the attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the finest prospects in European football. Simons graduated from the famous La Masia academy at Barcelona before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
A stacked PSG squad saw the youngster struggle for game time but a spell at PSV Eindhoven showcased his talents. RB Leipzig signed Simons in 2023 and the Bundesliga has given him a platform to become a regular Netherlands international.
Xavi Simons wants to leave RB Leipzig
The Athletic claim Simons has made it clear that he wishes to seek pastures new. Signed two years ago, Leipzig are understood to have slapped a £60million price tag on the player.
His stance is a clear come-and-get-me-plea to potential suitors from a No.10 who registered 19 goal contributions across all competitions last season. Speaking last month, Simons - with two years on his current deal - left the door open for a potential move.
"I'm still a young player, I have many dreams and the club knows that,” he said. “But right now, the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games. Then we have the international matches, and after that we’ll sit down and see what happens.”
Newcastle United stance
NewcastleWorld have had no word that Simons is a target, with Anthony Elanga and Joao Pedro known to be on their shortlist. Toon chiefs like both Premier League stars but signing a talent from abroad could provide better value for money.
However, German outlet Bild list Newcastle as one of the clubs showing interest in the Dutchman. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also named as possible options as well as an unnamed English team.
Simons’ brother, Faustino, is his agent and has held early discussions about a summer deal. Barcelona are rumoured to be expressing interest but would be unable to stump up the £60million wanted.
Read More
‘Speed is key’ - Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe called for Toon chiefs to act swiftly in the transfer market but, so far, those pleas have fallen on deaf ears. It is still early days but the Magpies are not understood to be close to a breakthrough.
"Speed is key for us and I have reiterated that many times internally,” Howe said after the final game of the season. “Speed is key because we have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.
“That’s always been my thought and my message on recruitment because you can have a period when you think you have time but then you look around quickly and you see that time has elapsed and you missed opportunities you won’t get again.
“That’s what we will be trying, but the reality of that is it’s not always in your hands - but we will do our best to do things early. The power of the Champions League is huge. It’s a selling point for us now, it’s an opportunity to sell that dream to future players that might be considering coming to us."
Continue Reading