Harvey Elliott provides reality check for Chelsea as Liverpool bosses take note of £60m deal

RB Leipzig are in talks to sign Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott as a replacement for Xavi Simons, who may move to Chelsea for £60m, though the Reds will be taking the Dutchman’s price tag into account

RB Leipzig are weighing up a move for Liverpool ace Harvey Elliott to replace £60million-rated Chelsea target Xavi Simons. But the Dutchman’s prospective move could advise the Reds on the statistically superior Elliott’s price tag.

Discussions are reportedly underway between the Bundesliga side and the representatives of Elliott, who, with the arrival of attacking talents such as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, may find gametime scarce at Anfield this term.

Leipzig only secured Simons, a similar player to Elliott, from Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent basis in January following an impressive 18-month loan spell, in a deal worth £44m. But they now value him at a hefty £60m. This valuation will undoubtedly be on the minds of Liverpool’s bosses when it comes to negotiating a price for Elliott, should he be open to the transfer.

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Despite both players being born in April 2023, it’s the Liverpool star who has more senior experience, boasting 192 club appearances compared to Simons’ 135. Elliott can also be considered to have more top-flight experience, having made 118 appearances in the Premier League and European competitions.

While Simons has clocked up 120 appearances, this figure includes a season on loan at PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie and two seasons on the periphery of the PSG squad in leagues that are considered less defensively challenging than the Premier League.

Elliott outperforms Simons in terms of goal contributions (0.7 to 0.65), expected assists (0.45 – 0.5 to 0.26 – 0.3), progressive carries (8 to 3.5 – 4) and shot-creating actions (4.5 – 5 to 4) per 90 minutes, which Chelsea may want to take note of.

Given his consistent performance across Premier League and European competitions over several seasons, as well as his recent success at the Under-21 Euros, where he was named player of the tournament and helped England clinch the title, Liverpool have no plans to let Elliott go on the cheap, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Last season, under Arne Slot, Elliott found his playing time limited as he struggled to regain top form following a fractured foot. Despite making 28 appearances, he only started six times and was only included in the starting line-up in the Premier League after the title had been secured.

Nevertheless, he managed to score five goals and provide three assists during the campaign and impressed his new head coach in the final weeks of the season, which did nothing to diminish the club’s high valuation of Elliott.

The lifelong Liverpool fan has spoken openly about his situation on several occasions in recent months, most recently during the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East. In a candid chat with The Anfield Wrap while in Asia, Elliott confessed his deep affection for Liverpool but acknowledged the need to consider his career prospects and playing time.

“If I had it my way I would be here for the rest of my career, it’s as simple as that,” Elliott declared. “I love everything about the club, but at the same time I kind of need to be selfish and see what’s best for me.

“I have big ambitions. I want to get in the [2026] World Cup squad. I want to keep being successful as a player. It’s something I still need to review. I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation. We have many new players who have come in so whether it blocks the path for me I’m not sure. It’s something I need to have a look at and decide.”

Although Leipzig are reportedly in discussions about a possible transfer, they will need to offer a reasonable sum to tempt Elliott away from Liverpool in light of Simons’ valuation. Particularly given Liverpool will know exactly the funds they’re playing with if Chelsea have made their move.

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