Deal to be completed soon as Newcastle United show real ‘Interest’ on the £60m Dutch wonderkid that issues them “come-and-get-me plea”, just few things delaying the deal
Xavi Simons Eyes Leipzig Exit as Newcastle and Premier League Rivals Circle
Dutch midfield prodigy Xavi Simons has reportedly informed RB Leipzig of his desire to leave the club during the upcoming summer transfer window, with Premier League side Newcastle United said to be among those monitoring the situation.
Still only 22 years old, Simons is already regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young footballing talents. The versatile playmaker, who operates primarily as a No.10, first rose to prominence at FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy. He later made the switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, where fierce competition for places limited his opportunities in the first team.
A successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven allowed Simons to flourish, and it was during his time in the Eredivisie that he began to attract wider attention for his creativity, vision, and goal-scoring prowess. His performances caught the eye of German outfit RB Leipzig, who secured his signature in 2023. Since joining the Bundesliga side, Simons has become a key figure for both club and country, earning regular call-ups to the Netherlands national team.
Now, according to a report from The Athletic, Simons has expressed a clear desire to seek a new challenge elsewhere. The talented midfielder is eager to take the next step in his career, and Leipzig are believed to be willing to entertain offers for the player—albeit for a steep price. The German side has reportedly placed a £60 million valuation on Simons, a fee that reflects his growing stature in European football.
Simons enjoyed a standout season, contributing 19 goals and assists combined across all competitions, further enhancing his reputation as one of the continent’s most dynamic young players. While he remains under contract at Leipzig for another two years, his recent comments suggest a move could be on the horizon.
“I’m still a young player, I have many dreams and the club knows that,” Simons told reporters last month. “But right now, the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games. Then we have the international matches, and after that, we’ll sit down and see what happens.”
Newcastle United Keeping Tabs
Despite Simons’ interest in moving on, NewcastleWorld reports that the Magpies have yet to make a formal approach, and there’s no confirmation that he is currently on their priority list. Instead, Newcastle are known to be actively pursuing Premier League talents such as Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and Brighton’s Joao Pedro, both of whom have impressed in England’s top flight.
That said, Newcastle may see value in targeting overseas talent, where transfer fees and wages can sometimes offer better long-term returns compared to domestic signings. According to German outlet Bild, Newcastle are indeed among the clubs keeping a close eye on Simons’ situation. They are reportedly joined by Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and another unnamed English club in the race for his signature.
Simons’ brother, Faustino Simons, who also serves as his agent, is believed to have already begun holding preliminary discussions regarding a potential summer transfer. Meanwhile, his former club Barcelona are said to be interested in bringing him back to Camp Nou. However, financial constraints may prevent the Catalan giants from meeting Leipzig’s £60 million asking price.
Eddie Howe Emphasizes Transfer Urgency
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been vocal about the need for swift action in the transfer market. Speaking after the final match of the season, he stressed the importance of moving quickly to secure top targets before they are snapped up by rivals.
“Speed is key for us and I have reiterated that many times internally,” Howe said. “We have to be dynamic. We have to be ready to conclude things very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.
“You can think you’ve got time, but then you look around and realize that the moment has passed and those opportunities won’t come again. That’s why it’s so important for us to act early.”
Howe also highlighted the role of the Champions League in attracting high-level players to St James’ Park. “The power of the Champions League is huge,” he added. “It gives us a real platform to sell that dream to prospective signings.”
As the summer window heats up, Xavi Simons’ situation is one to watch closely. With growing interest from England and beyond, and with his own ambitions aligning with a move, the stage appears to be set for one of Europe’s top young stars to take the next big leap in his career.