Arne Slot of Liverpool and Ole Werner of RB Leipzig.placeholder image
Arne Slot of Liverpool and Ole Werner of RB Leipzig. | Getty Images
Liverpool and RB Leipzig could do business in a mammoth swap deal this summer.
With the summer transfer window well underway, clubs are faced with the difficult task of finding ways to strengthen their squad without breaking the bank, while offloading unwanted stars with little fuss.
This is not always as easy as it seems, hence why transfer dealings often go to all the way to the dreaded deadline day, as clubs rush to get paperwork over the line in time or replace a sold player at the very last moment.
Problems such as these can be avoided if clubs join forces to sort out transfer issues together, be that through multiple transfer dealings and a mutual understanding - such as Liverpool’s relationship with Bayer Leverkusen this window - or through one headline-grabbing swap deal.
Despite their productive summer window so far, Liverpool still have a few issues left to resolve. One club could come to their aid and solve multiple issues in one go, with both clubs leaving satisfied.
Liverpool and RB Leipzig swap deal could work for both
A potential swap deal between Liverpool and German outfit RB Leipzig would centre around Harvey Elliott. The 22-year-old midfielder shone in the U21 European Championship last month, scoring five goals and winning Player of the Tournament as England won the tournament under Lee Carsley.
Leipzig could suggest a mega swap deal to persuade Liverpool to give them Elliott, involving want-away star Xavi Simons. The Dutch international has been admired by Liverpool previously and has reportedly asked to leave according to The Athletic, with a move for Elliott likely to hinge on whether Simons does depart the club. What better way for both clubs to resolve this situation than to include Elliott in a deal for Simons?
Why a Harvey Elliott and Xavi Simons swap deal could be the answer
Both sides should push to make this deal happen. Elliott could become the new face of Leipzig and inspire them in their quest to return to the Champions League next term, while getting to experience a new league and lifestyle and working closely with Klopp once again.
Meanwhile, Liverpool would be resolving a situation surrounding a player who reportedly wants to leave, avoiding strengthening a Premier League rival and also obtaining a world-class talent in Simons for very little money at all. While the Reds have admittedly just signed Florian Wirtz who is set to star in Simons’ preferred position of attacking midfield, the former PSG and Barcelona starlet can also operate from either wing and would offer huge versatility and a strong option across the attack.
Liverpool reportedly value Elliott at around £40m-£50m, while RB are said to have put an €80m (£69m) price tag on Simons. An offer by Liverpool of Elliott plus around £15m-£20m could be enough to get the deal done, particularly if Klopp puts a good word in during negotiations.
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