€80m Bid Prepared: Liverpool Favourites to Beat Man United to Potential Salah Replacement

Liverpool has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with reports indicating that the club is preparing an €80 million bid to secure the highly-rated Dutch playmaker. The 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at Paris Saint-Germain, has been one of Europe’s standout young talents, catching the eye of several top clubs, including Manchester United.

As speculation continues over Mohamed Salah’s future, Liverpool appears to be positioning itself for a major move to reinforce their attacking options. With Salah’s contract set to expire next summer, the Reds are keen to secure a long-term successor who can fill the void left by the Egyptian star. While replacing Salah is a monumental task, Xavi Simons’ technical ability, versatility, and attacking output make him an enticing candidate.

According to reports from Fichajes, Liverpool is leading the race ahead of Manchester United, who are also monitoring Simons’ situation closely. However, the Red Devils may struggle to match Liverpool’s financial commitment, particularly given their ongoing restructuring under new co-owners INEOS. With the Merseyside club expected to make a serious push, United could find themselves at a disadvantage.

Simons has been in outstanding form this season, contributing seven goals and five assists in 18 Bundesliga appearances. His dribbling skills, pace, and creativity make him an ideal candidate to slot into Liverpool’s dynamic attacking setup. Given his ability to operate both as an attacking midfielder and a winger, he would offer manager Arne Slot a flexible option in the final third.

Liverpool’s determination to sign Simons is also fueled by the club’s broader need to rejuvenate its squad. With Salah, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez all subject to transfer speculation, the Reds are keen to future-proof their attack. Simons’ arrival could mark the beginning of a significant transition in Liverpool’s forward line, ensuring they remain competitive in the Premier League and Europe.

The Dutchman’s potential move to Anfield also raises questions about the role of PSG in his future. As his parent club, PSG retains control over his long-term contract, and while he is currently on loan at RB Leipzig, any transfer deal would require the French giants’ approval. Given their ongoing pursuit of top attacking reinforcements, PSG may still have plans for Simons, making negotiations more complex.

Manchester United’s interest in Simons stems from Erik ten Hag’s vision of building a technically gifted and fast-paced team. However, the club’s struggles in the Premier League, coupled with an uncertain financial position, could make it difficult to compete with Liverpool in this race. Additionally, United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could be a decisive factor in Simons’ final decision.

For Liverpool, the priority remains Salah’s contract situation. The club would prefer to keep their talisman for another season, but should he opt for a move—potentially to Saudi Arabia—a swift replacement will be necessary. Given the club’s rich history with Dutch players, from Dirk Kuyt to Virgil van Dijk, Simons might view Liverpool as the ideal environment to develop further.

Despite his young age, Simons has already demonstrated maturity and leadership on the pitch. His performances for both club and country have earned him comparisons to some of the game’s elite playmakers. While he is far from a finished product, his rapid rise suggests he has the potential to become a world-class talent.

The financial aspect of the deal will be crucial. An €80 million price tag is a hefty sum for a player still in the early stages of his career, but in today’s inflated market, elite young players command premium fees. If Liverpool is willing to meet RB Leipzig and PSG’s demands, they could secure one of the brightest prospects in world football.

It remains to be seen whether Manchester United will intensify their pursuit or shift focus to alternative targets. The Red Devils have been linked with other attacking talents, including Joao Félix and Michael Olise, but Simons remains high on their wishlist. However, with Liverpool moving aggressively, United may be forced to concede defeat.

For now, Liverpool fans will be watching closely as negotiations unfold. The potential addition of Simons would signal a new chapter for the club, as they transition away from the Salah era and towards a younger, more dynamic attacking setup. While replacing a legend like Salah is never easy, signing a player of Simons’ caliber would be a significant step in the right direction.

Ultimately, the transfer saga surrounding Simons will depend on multiple factors, including Liverpool’s ability to finalize terms with PSG, Leipzig’s willingness to facilitate the deal, and the player’s personal preference. However, with the Reds in pole position, it seems increasingly likely that Anfield could be Simons’ next destination.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Liverpool’s pursuit of Simons could shape their long-term ambitions. If they successfully land the Dutch star, it would be a statement signing, reinforcing their status as one of Europe’s top clubs while preparing for the inevitable post-Salah era.