Arne Slot’s first season as Liverpool manager has been nothing short of sensational, taking the club to new heights during the first few months of his tenure.
The Dutchman has already led the side to the Premier League title, losing on just four occasions, two of which have come after they confirmed top spot against Tottenham Hotspur.
In his 55 matches in charge of the Reds, the 46-year-old has won 38, achieving a win percentage of 69%, creating a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp.
Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph
It’s safe to say he’s been a breath of fresh air in England’s top flight this campaign, but he can’t rest on his laurels and will need to strengthen this summer.
The club have gone from the hunters to the hunted, with added quality and depth desperately needed if they are to have any chance of retaining their position in 2025/26.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer
With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to leave at the end of the season, it appears that Liverpool have wasted no time in targeting a replacement, with Jeremie Frimpong set to complete a switch to Anfield.
However, he may not be the only Bayer Leverkusen player to move to Merseyside this summer, with Florian Wirtz also on their radar ahead of the upcoming window.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz reacts
Despite the attention on the aforementioned Bundesliga stars, Xavi Simons is the latest player from a German side to be linked, that’s according to a report from Spain.
The report claims that the Reds could be willing to enter talks to sign the 22-year-old, who may be tempted by a summer switch to England’s top division.
It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £60m during the off-season, and is seen as a Luis Diaz replacement should he depart for Barcelona in the coming months.
Why Liverpool’s £60m target could be Slot’s next Gravenberch
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has managed to resurrect his Liverpool career this season, taking his stint at the club to new heights after the arrival of compatriot Slot.
ryan-gravenberch-liverpool
The Dutchman struggled to make a huge impact under Klopp after his £34m switch from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, mainly being utilised as an impact player.
He started just 12 games in the Premier League, but has been a crucial cog in their success during their title-winning campaign - starting all but one outing, highlighting his importance to the manager.
Such a fee now appears to be a bargain, with the 22-year-old having the potential to improve further over the next few years at Anfield and become one of Europe’s leading midfielders.
However, a move for Simons could see a repeat of Gravenberch, with a Dutch star arriving on Merseyside from a Bundesliga outfit and cementing his place in the starting lineup.
Xavi Simons celebrates
Whilst £60m may appear to be a huge investment from the board, it would be a deal that would improve the options at Slot’s disposal - handing him another threat in attacking areas.
When delving into his stats from the current campaign, he's starred in numerous key areas, with his talents taming the squad up a gear in their ambitions of retaining their crown.
Xavi Simons' stats for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Successful dribbles
Tackles won
Duels won
Stats via FotMob
Simons, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart, has registered 19 combined goals and assists in all competitions - having the tools to star himself and provide others with the ammunition to succeed.
He’s also managed to notch a total of 2.2 chances created per 90, along with 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 - highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.
The youngster’s talents don’t stop there, winning 75% of the tackles he’s entered and winning 5.7 duels per 90, showcasing his work rate and ability to regain possession for his side.
If he can replicate such levels at Anfield, Simons would be a superb addition to the squad, offering Slot an added creative presence at the heart of his already impressive Liverpool squad.
Netherlands' Xavi Simons celebrates scoring their third goal
Should he get anywhere near close to the levels produced by Gravenberch on Merseyside, it would be a £60m signing that would be worth every penny - allowing the club to have yet another impressive youngster on their books.
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates for Liverpool Related
[Slot's next Mac Allister: Liverpool pursuing move for "ridiculous" £60m ace](https://www.footballfancast.com/slots-next-mac-allister-liverpool-plot-move-for-joao-pedro/ "Slot's next Mac Allister: Liverpool pursuing move for "ridiculous" £60m ace")
Liverpool may land their next version of Alexis Mac Allister during the summer window.