The Xavi Simons conundrum is hyping in the market as Chelsea’s crowded attack might just have room for a Maverick. Chelsea’s relentless summer transfer activity has taken another dramatic turn with the imminent signing of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. The 22-year-old Dutch phenom has agreed to personal terms, and the Blues are finalizing a deal that could reach €70 million (£60m) with Leipzig. But in an attack already featuring Cole Palmer, João Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and Estevão Willian, where does Simons fit? The answer lies in his rare versatility and Enzo Maresca’s tactical vision.
The Tactical Chameleon
Simons isn’t just another attacker, he’s a tactical Swiss Army knife. Across his career, he’s logged minutes in seven positions: left winger (59 appearances), central attacking midfielder (41), right winger (27), center forward (10), central midfielder (5), left midfielder (2), and second striker (1). Last season alone at Leipzig, he rotated between left wing (16 games), attacking midfield (15), and even deeper roles. Moreover, this fluidity makes him a perfect weapon for Maresca’s “zone replacement football” – a system prioritizing intelligent spatial occupation and positional interchange.
Maresca’s Masterplan
Maresca’s preferred 4-2-2-2 or 4-3-3 shapes demand attackers who blur positional lines. Simons’ tendency to drift centrally from the left could solve two problems:
1. Freeing Cole Palmer: When Simons occupies the left half-space, Palmer can shift right – his most productive zone (21 goal contributions in 25 games when wide). Simons’ playmaking relieves Palmer of creative monopolization.
2. Breaking Low Blocks: Against defensive teams, Simons’ incisive passing (11 goals, 8 assists for Leipzig in 33 games) and Palmer’s ingenuity could dismantle packed defenses. As analyst Connor Holden notes, Simons enables “different tactical options to become less predictable”.
The Ripple Effect: Who Makes Way?
Simons’ arrival intensifies competition:
Jamie Gittens (18): The £56m signing may face delayed integration as Simons commands the left-wing role.
Christopher Nkunku: Reports indicate Chelsea offered him to Inter Milan, suggesting his exit could fund Simons’ move.
Estevão Willian: Another prodigy, but at 18, he’s likelier for cup minutes.
Crucially, Simons isn’t merely depth. His 44 goal contributions in 76 club games and 30 Netherlands caps offer ready-made quality for Chelsea’s Champions League return. A competition where Leipzig tested his mettle against Europe’s elite.
Negotiation Hurdles and Strategic Sacrifices
Chelsea’s pursuit hit snags: Leipzig rejected swap deals involving Nkunku, Armando Broja, or Carney Chukwuemeka, demanding pure cash. However, the imminent £44m sale of João Félix to Al-Nassr and Noni Madueke’s exit freed funds and squad space. Simons’ social media activity – removing “RB Leipzig” from his Instagram bio – hints at his eagerness for the move.
Why Simons Over Other Targets?
At €70m, Simons is expensive but distinct from Chelsea’s typical “project” signings. Moreover, he’s young (22) yet battle-tested in La Masia, PSG, PSV, and the Bundesliga. His tactical IQ, work rate (5+ ball recoveries per 90), and pressing fit Maresca’s system better than a traditional winger like Pedro Neto.
A Calculated Gamble with High Rewards
Xavi Simons has the tools to fit into Chelsea’s crowded attack. Moreover, with the ability to operate at all three levels of the front line and into the midfield areas, Simons can provide Enzo Maresca the myriad ways to accomplish his goals as Simons’ movement, creativity, and goal threat create levels of flexibility. Simons can help Cole Palmer by drifting inside from the left area, freeing the space and combinations for both players. While the Chelsea attack has other attacking individuals making the competition stiff, Simons brings a unique profile that provides the answers to problems that other attackers cannot, thus fulfilling an important requirement.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Recommended for you