Several hurdles in the way for RB Leipzig to sign Xavi Simons permanently

Sport Bild reports that RB Leipzig are still trying to sign Xavi Simons permanently but will face several hurdles in their pursuit of the Dutch international.

The first is that Leipzig will have to go head to head with Liverpool, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Barcelona for Xavi’s signature. All have recently enquired about the 21 year old and have the financial power to sign him. 

A positive for Leipzig is that Simons feels comfortable in Saxony and under head coach Marco Rose. On top of this, talks between the Bundesliga side and Xavi’s parent club PSG are planned for the new year. However, the 21-year-old will not be making a decision on his future in January as the future of Rose will also play a part. 

The next hurdle for Leipzig is the price tag. It has previously been quoted that the Dutch international could cost close to €80m. A fee that is close to unreachable for Leipzig, so a potential payment option for the Bundesliga side would be a €50m payment with PSG then receiving €30m of any future sale. 

In addition, Xavi could demand close to €15m salary-wise which would heavily stretch Leipzig’s current salary structure. 

Since returning to the Red Bull Arena in the summer, Xavi has struggled to match his levels from last season but that has mainly been due to an ankle injury which has kept him out since October.

GGFN | Jack Meenan