RB Leipzig are wasting no time in planning for life after Xavi Simons. With the Dutch star set to join Chelsea once the Bundesliga opener against Bayern Munich is out of the way, Sky Germany reports that Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott has emerged as Leipzig’s top target to step into his shoes.
According to reports, the German club have already agreed personal terms with Elliott, who is under contract at Anfield until June 2027. The reigning Premier League champions are believed to be open to letting him go this summer should a suitable bid arrive, despite the 22-year-old being considered one of England’s most technically gifted midfielders of his generation.
For Liverpool, the situation is complicated. They’ve had a busy summer window, bringing in marquee signings such as Florin Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké, both of whom are expected to demand significant playing time. With so many attacking options now crowding the squad, Elliott’s minutes are at risk of being cut down even further. Last season already saw him make just 18 Premier League appearances, tallying 1 goal and 2 assists—numbers that hint at promise but also reflect the uphill battle he’s faced to secure a consistent starting role under Jürgen Klopp.
Leipzig, on the other hand, could be the perfect destination. Known for their youth-first philosophy, the Saxon club has a strong record of developing emerging stars and giving them the stage to shine on both domestic and European fronts. Players like Timo Werner, Dani Olmo, and Dominik Szoboszlai have all flourished in their system, and Elliott could follow the same path if given the trust and freedom to play.
Losing Simons is undoubtedly a blow for Leipzig—he was one of their most dynamic players last season—but Elliott could bring a similar mix of creativity, flair, and versatility. While Simons often thrived in the attacking midfield or wide roles, Elliott’s adaptability in central and right-sided positions makes him a flexible option for manager Marco Rose.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the question remains: is now the right time to sell? Elliott has long been regarded as one of the brightest young English talents, and moving him on could spark debate among fans who still believe he has the potential to grow into a key figure at Anfield. At the same time, a big offer from Leipzig would help balance the books after a summer of heavy spending.
Ultimately, this is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing transfer stories of the late summer window. If Leipzig can finalize a deal, they won’t just be replacing Simons—they’ll be adding another highly technical, ambitious young player to their project. For Elliott, it could be the fresh start he needs to finally take his game to the next level.
The Tactical Journal 
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