Chelsea’s transfer policy of focusing on signing youngsters means they’ve added many individuals with a lack of experience at the highest level. However, Blues target and RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons bucks that trend despite being aged just 22.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons in the transfer rumour mill.
Reports claim that Simons and Chelsea have agreed personal terms, with head coach Enzo Maresca playing a key role after discussions with the player. Next, the Blues are expected to submit a transfer bid imminently.
The Netherlands international has already played for Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and Paris Saint-Germain in a fascinating club career to date. Could he be about to experience the Premier League for the first time, though?
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| RB Leipzig | 76 | 21 | 23 |
| PSV Eindhoven | 48 | 22 | 11 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 11 | 0 | 1 |
Chelsea view Simons as the perfect fit for them because of his versatility. As we’ve seen from the skilful Dutchman, he can be a huge attacking threat as either a winger or a central No.10.
Ian Wright was blown away by one Xavi Simons performance
Back in 2024, Leipzig and Real Madrid met in a two-legged tie in the last 16 of the Champions League. Despite an excellent performance at the Bernabeu on 6 March in the second leg, drawing 1-1, they exited the competition because of the 1-0 home defeat in the first leg a few weeks earlier.
German outfit Leipzig were the better side in the second leg against Madrid, and Simons was one of the stars of the show.
After Leipzig’s 1-1 draw against Madrid in Spain, Ian Wright singled out Simons, who was 20 at the time, for some incredible praise.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright said: “Can I say watching Xavi Simons against Real Madrid, Leipzig versus Real Madrid, was kind of like a coming out parade in respects of a performance from someone.
“He was brilliant. He was brilliant to watch. Unbelievable. And, we are talking about someone who is on loan from PSG to Leipzig, and he is getting the chance to play against arguably one of the greatest teams in the world, Real Madrid, and playing like that.”
It should definitely excite Chelsea fans that Simons could turn up in a Champions League knockout tie and impress against European giants Madrid in their stadium.
Even when he was aged 17, Mauricio Pochettino praised Simons while coaching him at PSG.
It’s quite obvious that Simons is still searching for the consistency to develop into a top-class performer. However, he’s got incredible natural ability and potential, so it could be a real coup if he does complete a move to Stamford Bridge this month.
Xavi Simons performance vs Real Madrid
Simons demonstrated incredible attitude and ability as a youngster to shine on the Champions League stage for Leipzig away to Madrid.
| Minutes played | Total shots | Chances created | Successful dribbles | Touches | Accurate crosses | Was fouled | Match rating |
| 90 | 3 | 4 | 3/4 (75%) | 60 | 4/7 (57%) | 4 | 7.5 |
England fans will remember he scored for the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 as well, so he’s certainly not someone who shrinks on the big occasion.
After a two-year absence from the Champions League, Chelsea are back in Europe’s elite club competition in the upcoming 2025/26 campaign. Simons is the type of experienced player we would love to see lining up for the Blues in the major European ties.
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