Latest news with #AliBarat
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Arsenal and Chelsea set to battle in the race to sign 22-year-old Bundesliga star
Xavi Simons and the Leipzig Limbo: Premier League Links Intensify Amid Uncertainty Leipzig's Packed Squad and the Quiet Exit Talk RB Leipzig have been in a recruitment frenzy, securing four players in just 26 hours, as BILD reports. The squad is now so full that 'der Mega-Kader sprengt inzwischen fast die Kabine.' Yet while arrivals are aplenty, departures are still pending. Benjamin Sesko is one name still present, with his Arsenal move stalling. Similarly, Xavi Simons continues to train with full commitment. 'Beide hängen sich im Training bei RB Leipzig voll rein, lassen sich nichts anmerken,' the article notes. However, whispers from his inner circle suggest that Simons has 'die letzte Saison selbstkritisch reflektiert' and is now focused firmly on his future. The pressing question remains: where does that future lie? Eyes on Bayern, Ears in England The Dutch international is open to leaving, though only Bayern Munich have reportedly shown interest thus far. A potential fee would be 'mehr als die kolportierten 50 Mio. Euro,' according to BILD, with Leipzig unwilling to part for anything under his €60 million market value. Photo: IMAGO But there's more at play behind the scenes. Simons and his camp are now stepping up their efforts, with his brother and advisor, Faustino Simons, reportedly enlisting top UK-based agent Ali Barat from Epic Sports. Barat's Premier League Power Barat, crowned Europe's top agent in 2023, helped orchestrate the record £116 million move of Moisés Caicedo from Brighton to Chelsea. Now, he's reportedly opening channels for Simons too. 'Der agiert eher als Mann im Hintergrund, hat aber glänzende Drähte in die Premier League,' writes BILD. Last year, Barat was pivotal in Karim Adeyemi's links to Chelsea, working closely with part-owner Behdad Eghbali. According to BILD, he is now sounding out Chelsea once again for Xavi Simons. Test Matches in Meuselwitz While Giants Tour Asia As Arsenal tour Singapore and Spurs fly to Hong Kong, Simons finds himself grounded. 'Xavis Realität noch Testspiel am Samstag in Meuselwitz' feels almost surreal for a player with such pedigree and ambition. Our View – EPL Index If this report holds weight, then Chelsea fans should be buzzing. Ali Barat's involvement hints at serious intent. His fingerprints were all over the Caicedo deal and Karim Adeyemi's Chelsea flirtation, and if he's now making introductions for Xavi Simons, Stamford Bridge could be bracing for another statement signing. Simons is versatile, technically sound, and hungry to make a Premier League impact. The fact that he's reflecting 'selbstkritisch' on last season shows maturity beyond his years. If he can match that self-reflection with a move to a competitive side in England, the upside is huge. That said, this also smells like a move dependent on departures. Chelsea's squad isn't light, and Enzo Maresca may want a tighter group. Still, if Barat is at the helm, there's little doubt Simons will land somewhere high-profile. What's worrying for Leipzig fans is the inevitability of it all. The club's business model relies on savvy buying and selling, but when players like Simons are dreaming beyond Meuselwitz, keeping them focused and settled becomes a losing battle. Whether it's Chelsea or another Premier League club, Xavi looks Premier League-bound. And soon.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Xavi Simons gives his verdict amidst Premier League interest
Xavi Simons is beginning to make serious decisions about his future after a season that changed everything. The Dutch international, once a rising talent at Barcelona's La Masia and later at PSG has grown into a powerful attacking force during his time with RB Leipzig. After scoring 21 goals across two seasons, he was expected to continue building at Leipzig, especially after the club paid £43m [$57m] to sign him permanently from Paris in January and tied him until 2027. The move was seen as a strong show of faith, with the club fully backing him as part of their long-term plans. But with Leipzig failing to qualify for European football, it has made the situation complicated. According to German outlet Bild, Simons agent- Ali Barat, who was also named as Best Agent at the 2023 Golden Boy awards is expected to approach Premier League sides to find a suitable move for the 22-year-old. 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Simons has already said no to Bayern Munich and has shown no interest in returning to Paris. The Dutch star has not publicly confirmed any club as his next destination but according to multiple reports several big clubs are monitoring his situation. According to Fabrizio Romano, both Arsenal and Chelsea have shown interest in the star. Chelsea and Arsenal monitor Xavi Simons situation The Blues are considering Simons as a potential replacement for Christopher Nkunku, who is expected to leave this summer. If Nkunku exits, Enzo Marseca may act fast to sign the Dutch international after having already signed Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens and reportedly wants one more attacking option who can offer versatility. The Gunners move for Simons may depend on what happens with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Getty Images If either leaves, Simons could become a priority, and while the Mikel Arteta's side are also in talks for Eberechi Eze, they won't rule out Simons, especially considering his double digits goals for Leipzig across two seasons. Simons is valued at £60m [$80m], and despite having a contract for two more years, Leipzig are expected to sell if a strong offer arrives. Arsenal news and related links Former Arsenal star all set for Premier League return after Saudi Arabia snub How to pronounce Viktor Gyokeres: A guide to saying the new Arsenal striker's name Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal: Transfer fee, contract, salary, squad number & more to know about striker signing
The Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Chelsea and Arsenal ‘monitoring Xavi Simons situation' with RB Leipzig star favouring move to Premier League
XAVI SIMONS is reportedly on the radar of Chelsea and Arsenal, with the RB Leipzig player said to be looking to move to the Premier League this summer. The Dutch star has tasked super agent Ali Barat with finding him an English club. 2 After Simons ' current side failed to qualify for Europe this season, he began looking for a team that could provide him with Champions League football. German publication Bild report Barat, who received the Golden Boy award for Best Agent in 2023, is expected to approach Chelsea and other English sides on behalf of the 22-year-old. Both the Blues and Arsenal are said to be "attentive" over a potential deal, according to Fabrizio Romano. Chelsea have already spent big this summer, including the signings of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, while SunSport understands they've made Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers their top target. The transfer of Simons to Stamford Bridge would increase the summer spending of the Blues even further. The Dutchman has also been linked with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, and Barcelona are also reportedly potentially interested. However, Simons himself would reportedly favour a move to the Premier League. He is a graduate of Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, where he played between the ages of seven and 16. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS He moved from Paris Saint-Germain to RB Leipzig in January after being on loan at the German side for a fee of £43million. Simons is currently valued at £60m. It is not the first time the Holland international has been linked with the Prem. He has previously been on the transfer lists of Liverpool and Manchester United. Simons has been well-known for much of his life, having reached 2million Instagram followers by the time he was 16. During his time at La Masia, he was affectionately known as Golden Curls and got to meet his idol and namesake Xavi Hernandez.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Xavi Simons prefers a move to the Premier League
reports Xavi Simons prefers to move to either the Premier League if he is to leave RB Leipzig this summer. After missing out on Champions League football and European football altogether, the future of Simons has been up in the air. Bayern Munich have been linked with the Dutch international, but he is said to have a preference for his future. The 22-year-old wants to move to the Premier League and has brought in an agent by the name of Ali Barat, who has connections in England to try and engineer a move away. It is expected that Barat will approach Chelsea for Simons. However, if Simons is to leave Leipzig in the summer, the Bundesliga side wants a fee of significantly more than the €50m they paid to bring the Dutch international to the club permanently in the winter. A sale of Simons would significantly help Leipzig balance the books when it comes to their spending this summer. So far, they have spent €92m and do not look like stopping. The 22-year-old's departure would greatly reduce their net spend. However, as Leipzig is backed by Red Bull, they can spend whatever they want, and debt will not be a problem. GGFN | Jack Meenan
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Journalist: Newcastle outpace Liverpool in race for Frankfurt striker
Newcastle Close In on Ekitike as Liverpool's Transfer Stance Faces Scrutiny Newcastle Lead Ekitike Chase Liverpool look set to lose ground in the race for highly-rated French striker Hugo Ekitike, with Newcastle United now firmly in the driving seat. The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout season at Eintracht Frankfurt, registering 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, playing a key role in securing Champions League qualification. Photo IMAGO Advertisement According to Julien Laurens, Newcastle are prepared to pay around €80 million to bring Ekitike to St James' Park, with super agent Ali Barat reportedly in the North East to finalise terms. 'Super agent Ali Barat is currently in Newcastle to finalise the Hugo Ekitike deal,' Laurens wrote on X. 'Around 80m euros for the French striker from Frankfurt who had a great last season in the Bundesliga.' That figure was corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed a formal bid of €70 million has already been submitted. While Liverpool were previously linked with a move for Ekitike, reports suggest their activity is contingent on the potential departure of Darwin Nunez. Photo IMAGO Advertisement Liverpool's Cautious Approach It is understood that Liverpool's hierarchy are not currently advancing a bid for Ekitike while Nunez remains on the books. That strategy, while financially prudent, may cost them the chance to sign a striker whose stock is rising rapidly across Europe. Photo IMAGO Newcastle's strategy is notably more aggressive. Rather than planning for a direct replacement, Eddie Howe's side reportedly want to pair Ekitike with Alexander Isak. According to The Telegraph, Newcastle 'cannot expect Isak to play in every game and need to rotate their forwards', especially with Champions League football on the horizon. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement Other Striker Options Still Open While Ekitike could be seen as a missed opportunity, Liverpool are not short on attacking options. However, with Nunez's future uncertain and the club looking to remain competitive in all four competitions next season, missing out on Ekitike may prompt a reassessment of their attacking priorities. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis It is hard not to feel a pang of frustration watching another exciting talent like Hugo Ekitike seemingly slip through the net. His numbers last season were elite, and at 23, he looks like a forward who could light up the Premier League. Advertisement The idea of pairing him with Isak at Newcastle only adds to the sense that the Magpies are building something dangerous. Liverpool's reluctance to act without first moving Nunez makes sense in terms of squad balance and financial control, but the risk is clear. Waiting too long in a hyper-competitive market often means losing your primary targets. That said, there is still belief in the fanbase around Arne Slot's project. His eye for detail and system-based approach might mean the club are targeting a profile better suited to his ideas. But Ekitike felt like a fit, mobile, clinical, creative. It's a disappointment, no doubt, but not a disaster. If Liverpool miss out on him, the expectation now is that the club will pivot quickly. The fans are watching. They understand patience, but they also know when decisiveness is required.
