German media claim £60m Bundesliga star has made Newcastle United transfer decision amid Spurs interest
Newcastle United Miss Out on Xavi Simons as Dutch Star Rules Out Move
Newcastle United’s pursuit of RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons appears to have hit a dead end, with fresh reports from Germany claiming the talented midfielder has no interest in a move to St. James’ Park.
Initially, prominent German outlet Sport Bild reported that the Magpies were one of several Premier League clubs monitoring Simons’ situation. The Dutch international, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, is expected to be available for transfer this summer. Leipzig’s failure to qualify for European competition next season has seemingly opened the door for his departure, and Simons himself is said to be keen on joining a Champions League side as he builds towards the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga, scoring 11 goals in 33 appearances after completing a permanent move to Leipzig last summer. He also continues to shine on the international stage, having scored five goals in 25 appearances for the Dutch national team, including a goal in the Euro 2024 semi-final loss to England—a match that took place almost exactly a year ago.
Simons’ current contract with Leipzig runs until 2027, and the German club reportedly value him at around £60 million. However, according to Bild, Leipzig could be open to accepting a lower offer given the player has only two years left on his existing deal. Several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur, have all been linked with the midfielder, though no formal bids have been made at this stage.
Simons Not Interested in Newcastle Move
Despite initial reports suggesting Newcastle were in the mix, Bild has now backtracked, stating that Simons has ruled out a move to the North East of England. The player, who is most comfortable operating as a central attacking midfielder or cutting in from the left flank, reportedly does not see Newcastle as the right environment for the next step in his career.
This will come as a blow to Newcastle’s recruitment team, who have been tracking Simons as a potential marquee signing. The club is aiming to bolster its attacking options this summer, particularly in light of their ambition to return to European competition. However, Simons’ decision to look elsewhere leaves the Magpies with more work to do in a transfer window that has already proven frustrating.
Concerns Surrounding Simons’ Transfer History
While Simons’ talent is undeniable, some concerns have been raised about his frequent club changes in recent years. A product of the Paris Saint-Germain academy, Simons moved to PSV Eindhoven in 2022 and impressed during his time in the Eredivisie. PSG then activated a buy-back clause, only to loan him to Leipzig shortly after. Following a solid season in Germany, Leipzig made the move permanent in 2024—but now, just one year later, Simons appears to be on the move again.
Should he complete another transfer this summer, it would mark his fifth club switch since 2022, raising questions about his need for stability and a suitable long-term project. Clubs interested in signing him will need to convince him not just with financial packages but with a clear sporting vision and a secure environment for development.
Newcastle’s Transfer Window Struggles Continue
Newcastle’s pursuit of Simons is just the latest in a growing list of setbacks this summer. Despite being linked with several high-profile names, the Magpies have yet to complete a major senior signing. England U21 goalkeeper James Trafford is the only incoming player currently close to joining, having agreed personal terms, but a deal still hinges on a fee being settled with Burnley.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga is believed to be open to a move to Tyneside, but again, a transfer agreement is yet to be finalised. These drawn-out negotiations highlight the club’s challenges in the current window, with financial constraints and competition from rival Premier League clubs proving difficult to navigate.
As the summer progresses, Newcastle will be eager to make meaningful progress and avoid missing out on more key targets. However, with Xavi Simons now seemingly off the table, the search for a creative attacking midfielder continues.