RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons has made his transfer preference clear, and it is one that will delight Chelsea fans around the world. Despite heavy interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, the Dutch midfielder has told Leipzig chiefs that his heart is set on a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
For months, Chelsea have been chasing the talented 22-year-old, who is seen as one of Europe’s brightest young stars. Reports suggested that the Blues were preparing a £60 million deal, but their plans looked in danger when Manchester City entered the race and Bayern Munich also showed serious interest.
However, ESPN reports that Simons has already informed RB Leipzig officials that Chelsea is his only priority. That decision could prove decisive in what has become one of the most dramatic transfer stories of the summer.
Leipzig head coach Ole Werner has done his best to remain calm despite the storm surrounding his player. Speaking about Simons’ future, Werner said:
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“Xavi has had a good training camp despite all of the news swirling around him. He’s proven that in the friendly matches. As long as he is here, he is part of the team and can be a very important part. In that respect, I am planning normally with him.”
The statement was diplomatic, but it is clear that Leipzig are preparing for life without their star man. If Simons leaves, it will mark Leipzig’s second major sale to a Premier League club this summer, after Benjamin Sesko’s move to Manchester United.
Chelsea have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market this summer. If the deal for Simons goes through, he will become the club’s ninth signing. Despite that, new head coach Enzo Maresca still believes the squad needs more work.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, Maresca admitted he is desperate to sign a new central defender following Levi Colwill’s long-term injury.
He said:
“I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution but as I said, the club know exactly what I think. We have a fantastic squad. We are happy with the squad we are, no doubt. But we said many times that when the window is open, anything can happen.”
Manchester City seemed like a strong contender for Simons’ signature, but Pep Guardiola himself admitted that his squad is already overcrowded. The Spanish coach has repeatedly complained about having too many players and the negative effect it has on team spirit.
Guardiola recently explained:
“Too many people. It’s not about Eddy [Ederson], today there was no Rodri, Phil, Kovacic, Savinho and Josko. On the bench we had Nathan [Aké] and Gündo [Ilkay Gündogan]. I like a deep squad to compete in all competitions but I don’t want to leave players at home. It’s not healthy. You cannot create a good vibe or atmosphere to compete.
The club has known about it since last season but the situation is what it is. In the next two weeks, people will talk with players and agents to find a solution. We have to reduce the squad because it will be difficult to sustain the vibe of the team.”
These comments suggest that a move to Manchester City for Simons was always unlikely.
German champions Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation. They are actively searching for a replacement for Kingsley Coman, who recently made a surprise switch to Saudi club Al-Nassr.
However, Simons’ clear desire to join Chelsea makes it difficult for Bayern to convince him otherwise. Chelsea’s project under Maresca, combined with the chance to be a central figure in the team’s rebuild, appears to have captured Simons’ imagination.
For Chelsea fans, this is the news they have been waiting for. The club has lacked a creative spark in midfield since the departure of Eden Hazard, and Simons could be the answer to their prayers. His vision, skill, and attacking instincts make him an ideal player for the Premier League.
The Stamford Bridge faithful will now be watching closely as negotiations continue. Chelsea have the financial power to get the deal done, and with Simons pushing for the move, it feels only a matter of time before he is holding up the famous blue shirt.
If the transfer is completed, Simons will arrive with big expectations but also with the full support of Chelsea’s fans. His decision to snub Manchester City and Bayern Munich in favor of Chelsea has already made him a hero in West London before even kicking a ball.
