Bild reports that Bayer Leverkusen threw their hat in the ring for Xavi Simons this summer with it going as far as Xabi Alonso even having a phone call with the Dutch international.
It is said that the pair held a video call over the summer where Alonso presented his ideas to Simons as well as subsequent efforts to try and convince Simons to move to Leverkusen. Compare this to Bayern Munich, who just sent Simons WhatsApp messages from director Max Eberl.
Despite Simons choosing to return to RB Leipzig this summer, Leverkusen will continue to the 21-year-old as they view him as the ideal replacement for Florian Wirtz who is expected to leave the BayArena next summer.
The potential departure of Wirtz would also fund Leverkusen’s pursuit of Simons as Wirtz is expected to bring in around €100m which would cover the cost for the Dutch international. Simons’ parent club, PSG, will also be looking to sell the 21-year-old next summer.
The only question mark over the move is if Alonso will be in charge next summer, as he will likely be linked with a move to Real Madrid this season.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
