Talks open for next Liverpool transfer after Xavi Simons move opens doors
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RB Leipzig is pursuing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott in a summer transfer move, offering a four-year contract as they seek a replacement for Xavi Simons, who is close to joining Chelsea for €70 million. Elliott, 22, is interested in more regular first-team football, having made just 18 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last season. Leipzig's manager Ole Werner and sporting director Marcel Schafer have engaged directly with Elliott, with Liverpool’s former manager Jurgen Klopp, now Red Bull’s global football director, also involved in encouraging the transfer. Liverpool's asking price is reportedly between €55 million (with a buy-back clause) and €65 million (without), a figure notably above Elliott's market value of €30 million, though a compromise near €47 million might be reached depending on Leipzig’s income from Xavi Simons’ transfer[1].
Despite ongoing talks, Liverpool would prefer to retain Elliott as a squad player but may sanction a sale if the price and Elliott's desire to start weekly matches justify it. Liverpool has limited room for Elliott in the starting lineup and recognizes his potential and need for development, which Leipzig could facilitate. As of late August, no formal bid had been submitted, and Leipzig’s interest depends on the progress of other player moves, such as Chelsea's signing of Simons[2][3].
Parallelly, Crystal Palace has also expressed interest in Elliott as they prepare for the potential departure of their key midfielder Eberechi Eze. Palace are considering Elliott for their squad, seeing his Premier League experience and upside as valuable. Their pursuit comes amid stalled Leipzig talks due to Chelsea's delayed transactions, which affect Leipzig’s financial position to pursue Elliott[4].
Christian Falk highlights that Elliott’s playing style suits Leipzig’s system and could make him an effective successor to Simons, comparing their creative stats which are broadly similar. Leipzig sees Elliott as a hardworking, creative midfielder who could thrive with more regular game time in the Bundesliga, possibly adapting well to a league slower than the Premier League[5].
PP