Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott targeted by Leipzig amid Simons exit talks

RB Leipzig have initiated talks to sign Liverpool’s 22-year-old midfielder Harvey Elliott in the 2025 summer transfer window. With Xavi Simons potentially heading to Chelsea, the German side is preparing to strengthen its midfield rotation by reaching out to Premier League champions Liverpool. Talks remain at an early stage, but Leipzig are exploring two distinct offers.

Is Harvey Elliott worth £50 million?

RB Leipzig have tabled two separate offers for Elliott, each with a different structure. According to The Athletic’s report dated 6 August 2025:

“Leipzig have two valuation ideas in mind: one deal worth more than £40m including a buy-back clause for Liverpool, and another clean sale worth above £50m without any such clause.”

The first option involves a fee exceeding £40 million and includes a buy-back clause for Liverpool. The second model targets a straightforward transfer worth over £50 million without any future clauses. It is currently unclear which structure Liverpool prefers.

His performance and role in 2024–25

During the 2024–2025 season, Harvey Elliott featured in 28 matches for Liverpool, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists. He was largely a squad player, frequently coming off the bench. One of his standout moments came in the Champions League Round of 16, when he scored a winning goal away against Paris Saint-Germain.

Could he start at Leipzig?

Elliott completed 90 minutes and scored in a recent friendly against Athletic Club, signalling full readiness for the new season. Leipzig’s new head coach Ole Werner is implementing a high-tempo, transition-based system. Elliott’s movement, awareness and passing range suit Werner’s tactical model.

Replacing Simons in the system

As Xavi Simons edges closer to the exit door, Leipzig are looking to sign a technically gifted and creatively impactful player. Elliott’s ability to operate both centrally and out wide provides tactical flexibility. His ability to link attacks and make intelligent decisions on the ball suggests he has the potential to fill the creative void left by Simons.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are accelerating talks to sign Simons, and the player is said to be open to the move. Anticipating this, Leipzig have turned their attention to Elliott.

Can Leipzig afford the deal?

Leipzig have spent €92 million so far in the summer window while only generating €7.20 million in sales, leaving them with a net expenditure of €84.8 million. A potential sale of Benjamin Šeško could help balance the books.

According to The Athletic, Newcastle United have submitted a €90 million bid for Šeško, with Liverpool offering €85 million. If the sale materialises, Leipzig would be in a better financial position to pursue Elliott.

What does the future hold at Liverpool?

Last season, Elliott played a supporting role in Liverpool’s squad. He was primarily used as a substitute and had limited minutes. Under new manager Arne Slot, competition for places has intensified. The arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké could further reduce Elliott’s playing time, potentially prompting the youngster to seek a club where he can take on more responsibility.

Elliott’s potential at Leipzig

Despite his young age, Elliott already has significant experience in European football. He has lifted two EFL Cups and a Premier League title with Liverpool, and twice triumphed in Europe with England U21s. At a club like Leipzig, renowned for nurturing young talent, regular minutes could help elevate his game.

A calculated bet by Leipzig

Whether Liverpool include a buy-back clause or opt for a clean sale, Elliott remains a strategic investment target for Leipzig. Elliott could prove a shrewd long-term investment for the German side. Liverpool’s stance and Elliott’s pursuit of a bigger role are shaping this summer’s transfer narrative.