Bundesliga playmaking SENSATION now wants to talk to Liverpool

Florian Wirtz is the name on everybody’s lips heading into the summer transfer window. Fans were left in a state of excitement when news broke last week that Liverpool were firmly in the race to land the Bayer Leverkusen No10.

The Reds must go head to head with Bayern Munich for the 22-year-old, who formed a key part of Leverkusen’s unbeaten double-winning season under Xabi Alonso in 2024.

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One issue? Wirtz's price tag. Bayer Leverkusen officials have been quoted as valuing their star attraction at €150m and, given a sizeable wage package, the deal is expected to spiral quickly.

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That is one reason given by Manchester City for dropping out of the race for Wirtz, leaving Bundesliga holders Bayern and Premier League title-winners Liverpool as the two contenders for his signature.

Bayern retain confidence that Wirtz will join them - if he is to leave Leverkusen. Accordingly, Liverpool have got plans to compile a list of alternatives to Wirtz. One name appearing on that list is Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig.

Liverpool keen on Xavi Simons

Signed to a permanent deal by the Red Bulls in January, the Dutch international signed a contract only until 2027 - meaning he will be sold sooner rather than later.

The 22-year-old is a versatile performer - capable of lining up across the attacking midfield line although he wouldn’t be described as a conventional winger.

A new report in TEAMtalk claims Simons - who got 10 goals and seven assists for Leipzig despite a difficult campaign - has been put forward by Liverpool staff as an option instead of Wirtz.

Moreover, it’s claimed that the highly-rated playmaker - who starred with Cody Gakpo at PSV - is keen on a move to Anfield.

Xavi Simons 'enthusiastic' about Liverpool

“The Premier League champions view the youngster as a potential addition to their squad and are focusing on him as an alternative to Florian Wirtz,” the report reads.

“Simons is enthusiastic about a Premier League move and would be keen to talk to interested parties, including Liverpool.

“The Dutch youngster has been presented as an option by the Liverpool recruitment team, who believe that he can add creativity and depth to a midfield already boasting Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.”

Simons created 51 chances in the Bundesliga this season - according to FOTMOB - and also ranks highly for possessions won in the final third. That off-the-ball work is sure to appeal to Arne Slot.

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And while Reds’ fans would dearly love Wirtz to arrive, £70m-rated Simons would be no bad consolation prize.