Liverpool are clearly not playing around in the transfer market this summer as they firm up their key targets.
The Reds have been expected to go big in the window as they look to build on a momentous first season under Arne Slot.
Quite how big is big remains to be seen. But from the early rumours swirling around Anfield, it feels as though Liverpool are ready to make the ground shake.
Jeremie Frimpong is reportedly a key target and after surprise news emerged on Wednesday, Frimpong could be joined by Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz.
It has been revealed that Liverpool have held a meeting with Wirtz over a transfer and are set to battle with Bayern Munich and Manchester City over a mammoth deal for the 22-year-old.
However, reports have since claimed that Liverpool still believe Wirtz is heading to Bayern. As they look for a player in his mould, though, it is becoming clear who they are likely to target should the German swap Leverkusen for Munich.
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Xavi Simons must be Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz back-up
As Rousing The Kop revealed last week, Liverpool are targeting creativity as one of their key remits of the summer window.
The Reds know that with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving, they are losing their most creative player. The plan is to replace that inventiveness with a signing in a different area of the pitch.
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Having made 33 goals since the beginning of last season, Wirtz could certainly be that player. However, getting a deal over the line for the German looks likely to be complicated.
In the likelihood Liverpool have to move onto option number two, RB Leipzig schemer Xavi Simons would look like a much easier deal to do. As journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Wednesday, Simons is very much on the market this summer.
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“Xavi Simons’ decision has been made: he’s ready to leave RB Leipzig this summer,” Romano said.
“Plan confirmed as reported in the recent months, he’s ready for new chapter with top Premier League clubs and Bayern all attentive to his situation.
“RB Leipzig, aware of the player’s plan.”
🚨💣 Xavi Simons’ decision has been made: he’s ready to leave RB Leipzig this summer.
Plan confirmed as reported in the recent months, he’s ready for new chapter with top Premier League clubs and Bayern all attentive to his situation.
RB Leipzig, aware of the player’s plan. pic.twitter.com/AeY0u5Bjvg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2025
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Simons can cushion Wirtz blow
If Liverpool were not in for Wirtz, we imagine they would be pushing hard to get Simons done already. The 22-year-old is reportedly available for around £63m, half the price of his German counterpart.
That the Reds are instead pursuing a move for Wirtz says that he is clearly their number one, dream target. But given the similarities between the players, Simons can certainly be a serviceable alternative.
The Dutchman is an excellent player in his own right and the price tag does not look prohibitive in this case. Other clubs will no doubt be in the mix too, but if Wirtz slips through their fingers then Liverpool should move quickly to get themselves into pole position.
As Romano said on his YouTube channel on Thursday morning, Bayern are looking at Simons as a potential Wirtz alternative and Liverpool are surely doing the same.
“There is still interest from Bayern but it depends on Wirtz,” said the transfer expert. “The top target for Bayern is Wirtz. If that deal doesn’t happen Xavi Simons can still be an option for Bayern.”
Man City should still be factored into the mix as well, but it’s looking likely that Wirtz and Simons are Bayern and Liverpool bound this summer. Who ends up where, well, that is the big question.