Chelsea advance in personal terms talk with Xavi Simons
The future of Dutch sensation Xavi Simons continues to dominate transfer headlines, with the 21-year-old midfielder included in RB Leipzig’s training camp squad despite ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea.
Simons, who has been identified as a key target by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, will travel with Leipzig to their pre-season camp in the Black Forest region of Germany, even as his representatives hold discussions with Chelsea over personal terms. The Blues remain determined to add the highly-rated attacker to their squad, viewing him as a marquee addition to Enzo Maresca’s first full season in charge.
Chelsea’s attacking rebuild continues
Chelsea have already made several attacking reinforcements this summer, having brought in João Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens, while highly-rated Brazilian teenager Estevão Willian is due to arrive officially ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. However, the recent £52 million departure of Noni Madueke to Arsenal has left a void in their frontline, prompting the club to move swiftly in pursuit of Simons.
The Dutch international’s strong 2023/24 season has further enhanced his reputation. He recorded 11 goals and 8 assists in all competitions, showcasing his ability to influence games both as a creator and a finisher. Chelsea believe his versatility — able to operate as a No. 10 or out wide — makes him an ideal fit for Maresca’s dynamic, possession-based system.
A talent long admired in Europe
Simons’ career trajectory has seen him pass through some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Initially developed at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, he later joined Paris Saint-Germain, where expectations of him soared. After loan spells, he flourished at RB Leipzig, where his pace, technical skill, and creativity have made him one of the Bundesliga’s standout young stars.
His rise has naturally attracted suitors, with Chelsea leading the chase. The Blues’ recruitment team has been impressed not only by his numbers but also by his ability to perform in high-pressure matches. Adding him to the squad would provide a further boost to Chelsea’s ambitions of challenging domestically and in Europe next season.
Contract complications and financial factors
While Chelsea push forward, the transfer is not without complications. Leipzig only signed Simons permanently in January from PSG in a deal worth an initial £43 million, with add-ons potentially raising the figure to £70 million. However, if Leipzig were to sell him this summer, the financial obligations to PSG would be reduced due to the structure of the agreement, making a transfer more feasible.
Moreover, PSG inserted a sell-on clause into Simons’ contract, which runs until June 2027, meaning they would receive a percentage of any future transfer fee. This adds another layer to negotiations, as Leipzig weigh up the financial implications of a quick turnaround sale versus retaining a player central to their squad rebuild.
Chelsea’s need for squad depth
The urgency in Chelsea’s pursuit is also tied to the unique demands of their schedule. Having recently won the FIFA Club World Cup, the club concluded their 2024/25 season later than most European sides. With preparations shortened and no traditional pre-season tour, Maresca knows squad depth will be crucial to avoid fatigue across a congested campaign.
Simons, with his ability to slot into multiple attacking roles, is seen as the type of addition that can keep Chelsea competitive across all competitions. His signing would also send a statement of intent to rivals, underlining the Blues’ ambition to rebuild quickly under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
For now, Simons remains with Leipzig’s camp, but with talks already advanced on the player’s side, the coming weeks could prove decisive. Chelsea’s interest is clear, and should they find an agreement with Leipzig, the Dutch star could soon be wearing blue at Stamford Bridge.