Liverpool are believed to be willing to pay £67m to acquire the signature of an "exceptional" Mohamed Salah replacement this summer, should the Reds legend depart.
Doubts over Liverpool legends' futures
While Liverpool fans will be dreaming about seeing plenty of new signings arrive at Anfield in the summer transfer window, retaining the services of their most important players is equally important, if not more so.
As has been the case for most of this season, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Salah still haven't committed their futures to the Reds, with their contracts now perilously close to expiring later this year.
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold
Recent reports have suggested that Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign is "99% done", while Van Dijk has been tabled an offer by Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, Salah has talked openly about the situation for months now, almost challenging the club to give him what he wants, but as things stand, he appears to be no closer to extending his stay at Liverpool. Now, a potential successor to the Egyptian has been mentioned in a new transfer claim.
Liverpool preparing £67m offer to sign Salah replacement
According to a report from Spain, Liverpool and FSG are willing to spend £67m on RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons in the summer window, with the Reds considering him an "ideal" replacement option for Salah, should he depart.
They believe that the Dutchman can bring "dynamism and creativity" to their attack, and while he only joined Leipzig permanently from PSG in January, the Bundesliga club appear to be happy to cash in on their record signing.
Xavi Simons for RB Leipzig
It goes without saying that Salah signing a new contract remains the preferable option for Liverpool this summer, but if he does move on, Simons could be an excellent option to come in.
Still only 21, he is already such a consistent attacking player for Leipzig, scoring seven goals and chipping in with five assists in the Bundesliga this season, while Christoph Freund has hailed his ability, saying:
"He is a very good player. He had a very good European Championship and a great season with Leipzig. He's developed really well. I think he's going to have a really good career at the highest level. He has everything, mentality, character and is just an exceptional player."
Simons enjoyed a memorable personal moment last summer, scoring a superb goal for the Netherlands in the semi-final of Euro 2024 against England. While his country went on to lose the game, it outlined the ability that the young attacker possesses.
The Leipzig ace is also versatile, which Arne Slot could like, being capable of shining out wide on both flanks, and in a central attacking midfield role.
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The club have made their decision about his future.
As mentioned, Simons hopefully won't be needed because it means Salah is staying, but he could be a great long-term option to fill the eventual void left by Liverpool's legendary No.11.