Chelsea may have more to consider before signing Xavi Simons, as question marks remain over the playmaker’s attitude.
That’s according to European football expert, Kevin Hatchard, who has warned of concerns surrounding the Dutchman’s behaviour following him throughout his time at RB Leipzig.
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Xavi Simons has scored 21 goals in 76 games for RB LeipzigCredit: Getty
Simons looks set for a move to Stamford Bridge, with terms already agreed and the Blues expected to table an opening bid for the £60million-rated star.
The 22-year-old has long been regarded as one of football’s most exciting young talents, having starred in the youth ranks for both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as a youngster.
Simons joined Leipzig from PSG on an initial loan deal in 2023, with the move made permanent in January.
The German outfit forked out an initial £43m for the 22-year-old, with the deal including £26m in potential add-ons.
But Simons now looks to be on his way out just months after signing a contract until 2027, with his Bundesliga displays catching Chelsea‘s eye.
The Netherlands international scored 10 goals in 25 league games last term, while he impressed with his attacking flair.
What are the concerns over Xavi Simons?
Despite his undeniable talent however, Simons’ temperament has been questioned over the years, with German outlet Bild even claiming he was the cause of problems in the Leipzig dressing room last season.
And this was something Hatchard also highlighted as a potential cause for concern for Chelsea, should Simons end up in west London.
When asked about Simons’ future on the Trans Europe Express, he said: “I think he’ll go to Chelsea.
“I think that seems to be the way the wind’s blowing. And he’s a player they’ve been looking for.
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Simons was named in the 2023/24 Bundesliga Team of the SeasonCredit: Getty
“I think that’s the move he’ll make. He has been a player that has been very good for Leipzig in general.
“He scores goals, he makes goals, he’s always trying to affect the game. He’s a real puzzle, Xavi, because I like watching him play. I like what he brings to a game. He’s got really silky skills.
“He has a great awareness of what’s around him. He’s scored some lovely goals. There’s loads to like about him.”
Hatchard then pointed out the questions raised in Germany over Simons’ attitude, but stressed that these were largely speculation.
He continued: “But the debate in Germany, rightly or wrongly, and I genuinely don’t know, because you hear rumours around clubs, but it’d be unfair for me to say that I know, because I don’t.
“But the debate in Germany has been: Is he a team player? Does he have attitude problems? All of that.
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Simons featured in all six matches of the Netherlands’ run to the semi-finals of Euro 2024
“Now, that might be paper talk. That might be just media noise, and it just isn’t true, because there are some coaches that speak up for him.
“But there are also coaches that have alluded to, he could be more of a team player, his attitude could be different, etc.”
Hatchard also speculated over how Simons will fare at Chelsea without being the club’s biggest star, with current talisman Cole Palmer playing the same position as him.
While Simons often plays as an attacking midfielder, he can also operate on either wing or as a false nine.
The Blues see his versatility as ideal, as he would provide greater depth on the left-wing, with summer signing Jamie Gittens currently their only concrete current option in this position.
Hatchard asked: “What I’m fascinated by is if he does go to Chelsea, how does he deal with not being the main man? Because he won’t be, because Cole Palmer’s the main man.
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Cole Palmer has registered 37 goals and 19 assists in the Premier League for Chelsea in two seasonsCredit: Getty
“He plays in Cole Palmer’s position. So he’s not going to be the main man. They might play him off the left, because he naturally gravitates to the left anyway.
“But I’m just fascinated to see how he deals with it, because it’s not a work rate thing. The work rate’s there, because you don’t play for Leipzig if you don’t work without the ball. It’s not that.
“It’s just these rumours, and they might be totally unfair, but they are quite persistent.
“So if he’s going to get to that elite level, that next level, then you need all of it, and those rumours might have to go away.”