RB Leipzig want Leicester star to replace Chelsea target Xavi Simons but Crystal Palace ready to challenge Bundesliga side

RB Leipzig are monitoring Leicester City's Bilal El Khannous to replace Xavi Simons, whose future appears uncertain amid Chelsea interest.

Transfer Battles Heat Up: RB Leipzig Targets Leicester’s El Khannous as Chelsea Closes in on Xavi Simons

In the fast-paced world of European football , clubs are scrambling to secure top talents ahead of the new season. With making significant strides in negotiations for Xavi Simons from , the German outfit is already lining up potential successors, including City’s promising midfielder El Khannous. This move comes amid interest from , adding another layer of competition to the summer window.

  • RB Leipzig eyes El Khannous as potential successor to Simons
  • Chelsea progresses in discussions for Dutch sensation
  • Crystal Palace joins race for Leicester talent

RB Leipzig want Leicester star to replace Chelsea target Xavi Simons but Crystal Palace ready to challenge Bundesliga sideRB Leipzig want Leicester star to replace Chelsea target Xavi Simons but Crystal Palace ready to challenge Bundesliga sideRB Leipzig want Leicester star to replace Chelsea target Xavi Simons but Crystal Palace ready to challenge Bundesliga side

Chelsea’s Push for Xavi Simons Sparks RB Leipzig’s Replacement Hunt

Reports indicate that Chelsea is making headway in their efforts to bring in Simons from RB Leipzig. This development has pushed the team to explore options for filling the gap in their midfield lineup. Sources from Foot Mercato suggest that the Germans have pinpointed Leicester’s El Khannous as a strong candidate to step into the Dutch player’s shoes. Yet, the young star is drawing attention from various teams, such as Crystal Palace, fresh off their FA Cup triumph.

El Khannous’ Rise and Appeal to Top Clubs

At just 21 years old, El Khannous joined Leicester from in for a fee of €24 million (around £21m or $28m) in the previous transfer period. The Moroccan talent quickly established himself as a key figure, featuring prominently with three goals and six assists across 37 appearances. As Crystal Palace braces for potential departures like Eberechi Eze, who has caught the eye of and other English sides, they’ve added the 2024 Belgian Pro League Young Player of the Year to their list of targets to bolster their attacking options.

Negotiations Advance: Chelsea Nears Deal for Simons from RB Leipzig

The victors of the 2025 Club World Cup are on the verge of securing Simons, having reportedly agreed on personal terms with the Dutch international. Simons himself is eager to join Chelsea this summer and link up with manager Enzo Maresca. RB Leipzig has placed a valuation of €69m (£60m/$80m) on the 22-year-old as they prepare for his possible exit.

RB Leipzig’s Strategy for Squad Rejuvenation Amid Challenges

RB Leipzig is prioritizing the acquisition of emerging stars to revamp their team, focusing on enhancing consistency, innovation, and scoring prowess for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. Following a lackluster previous season that saw them miss out on qualification, the club is open to offloading several prominent players. For instance, Benjamin Sesko could depart if an attractive offer arrives, reflecting their broader rebuilding efforts. Recent updates show Leipzig exploring talents similar to El Khannous, who boasts impressive stats like an 85% pass accuracy in league play, to inject fresh energy into the squad.

Contributions from Oliver Maywurm on additional insights.