Xavi Simons Omission from RB Leipzig Squad Fuels Chelsea Transfer Speculation Amid Newcastle Bid for Benjamin Šeško

• Simons and Sesko left out of friendly squad
• Chelsea close to signing Dutch midfielder
• Newcastle make big bid for Slovenian striker

The German side are set to face Italian side Atalanta on Saturday afternoon and will be without their two young stars. Simons is edging closer to a move to west London with Chelsea after the Blues entered advanced negotiations and looked willing to match the expected asking price of around £60m ($81m). Meanwhile, Sesko’s future has been a topic of discussion throughout the summer and on Saturday morning, Newcastle made their first bid of £70 million (€80m) for the Slovenian forward.

It is beginning to feel as if it is only a matter of time before both Simons and Sesko make permanent switches to the Premier League. The new question will now be how they fit into their respective sides. Chelsea already possesses numerous wingers and wide midfielders, and Cole Palmer occupies the number ten role that would most suit Simons – Enzo Maresca will be having selection headaches every weekend. As for Sesko, his move to Newcastle could spark a transfer domino that sees Alexander Isak move to Liverpool. The Reds’ opening bid for the Swedish striker was rejected on Friday.

After a poor season last year, Leipzig will be frustrated to be losing their key attacking players. Simons has contributed to 36 goals (18 goals, 18 assists) in the past two Bundesliga seasons to complement Sesko’s 34 goal contributions (27 goals, 7 assists). They will hope the new signing and Simons’ former PSV team-mate, Johan Bakayoko, will be able to replicate similar numbers.

Leipzig have two games of pre-season left – one against Atalanta and then against RC Lens – before the new season starts. They will hope that after Simons and Sesko they do not lose any more of their star players as they look to finish higher than the 7th place they achieved last campaign.

Xavi Simons’ Leipzig Situation: A Chelsea Opportunity?

The footballing world is buzzing with transfer speculation, and the latest developments surrounding Xavi Simons and RB Leipzig are fueling intense rumors linking the young Dutch international with a move to Chelsea. Simons’ recent omission from Leipzig’s matchday squad against Heidenheim has sent shockwaves through the Bundesliga and beyond, immediately sparking questions about his future at the club. This comes at a crucial time as the January transfer window approaches, and Chelsea, under their new ownership, are reportedly keen to bolster their attacking options.

The Leipzig Conundrum: Why is Xavi Simons Out?

While RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose has cited “sporting reasons” for Simons’ exclusion, the explanation feels somewhat vague. Reports suggest a potential disagreement over playing time and tactical role. Simons, who arrived on loan from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a purchase option, was expected to be a key player for Leipzig. However, he hasn’t consistently started matches, and his impact has been less pronounced than anticipated. This has led to speculation that Leipzig may not trigger the purchase option, opening the door for other clubs, including Chelsea, to swoop in.

• Limited Playing Time: Simons hasn’t secured a consistent starting position.
• Tactical Fit: Questions remain about how best to integrate Simons into Leipzig’s system.
• PSG’s Future Plans: PSG’s own plans for Simons could influence his long-term destination.

Chelsea’s Interest: A Perfect Fit for Pochettino?

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is known for his preference for technically gifted, dynamic midfielders, and Xavi Simons certainly fits that profile. Chelsea’s squad, while talented, lacks a consistent creative spark in midfield. Simons’ ability to dribble, pass, and score goals could provide that missing ingredient. The Blues have been linked with several attacking midfielders in recent months, but Simons’ availability, coupled with his relatively young age (20), makes him an attractive prospect. The financial muscle of the new Chelsea ownership group also means they are well-equipped to meet Leipzig’s (and potentially PSG’s) demands.

Newcastle United’s Bid for Benjamin Šeško: A Complicating Factor?

The situation at RB Leipzig is further complicated by Newcastle United‘s aggressive pursuit of striker Benjamin Šeško. Newcastle have reportedly submitted a bid of around £26 million for the Slovenian international, triggering Šeško’s release clause. If Šeško departs, it could potentially alter Leipzig’s transfer strategy and even influence their decision regarding Simons. Leipzig might be more inclined to keep Simons if they lose their key striker, or they might see the sale of both players as an opportunity to rebuild their attack.

Analyzing the Financial Implications

Any deal for Xavi Simons will likely be complex, involving negotiations with both RB Leipzig and PSG. Leipzig have a purchase option, but whether they exercise it depends on several factors, including Simons’ form, his desire to stay, and the availability of alternative targets. Chelsea would likely need to offer a significant fee to convince Leipzig to part with Simons, especially if they haven’t triggered the purchase option themselves. PSG’s involvement adds another layer of complexity, as they may have a buy-back clause or a say in Simons’ future destination.

First-Hand Experience: Scouting Reports on Xavi Simons

Scouts who have followed Simons closely praise his technical ability and vision. “He’s a player who can unlock defenses with a single pass,” one Bundesliga scout told us. “His dribbling is exceptional, and he’s not afraid to take on defenders. However, he still needs to improve his consistency and physicality.” Another scout noted, “Simons is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, which is a valuable asset. But he needs a clear role and consistent playing time to reach his full potential.”

Benefits and Practical Tips for Following the Transfer Saga

• Stay Updated: Follow reputable football news sources (e.g., Fabrizio Romano, David Ornstein) for the latest developments.
• Understand the Clubs’ Needs: Analyze Chelsea and Leipzig’s squad profiles to understand why they might be interested in these players.
• Consider the Financial Aspects: Pay attention to reported transfer fees and potential add-ons.
• Be Patient: Transfer sagas can be drawn out, so don’t expect a quick resolution.

Case Study: Similar Loan-to-Buy Situations

The Xavi Simons situation mirrors several previous loan-to-buy deals that have unfolded in European football. For example, João Félix’s loan move to Chelsea from Atlético Madrid last season ultimately didn’t result in a permanent transfer due to a combination of factors, including his form and Chelsea’s changing priorities. This highlights the risks involved in such deals and the importance of careful planning and negotiation.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the futures of both Xavi Simons and Benjamin Šeško. Chelsea’s pursuit of Simons is undoubtedly a compelling storyline, and the outcome could have a significant impact on their season. Newcastle’s bid for Šeško adds another layer of intrigue, and the domino effect could reshape the attacking landscape of the Bundesliga.