As the 2024/25 Premier League season nears its climax, Liverpool are cruising toward what looks increasingly like a title coronation. With just eight games remaining and a commanding 12-point lead over Arsenal, Arne Slot’s men are firmly in control. Four more wins would be enough to seal the crown—and even a near-perfect run from the Gunners may not suffice to close the gap.
Slot, who took the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer, has overseen a remarkable transformation at Anfield. While there have been some hiccups—exits from both the Carabao Cup and Champions League just before the March international break—the overall trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. Few predicted such poise, consistency, and attacking flair from a squad in transition.
Now, as Liverpool edge closer to the title, attention is slowly turning to the summer transfer window. The club’s hierarchy, led by new sporting director Richard Hughes, will be tasked with reinforcing the team and rewarding Slot for his sharp tactical vision and motivational prowess.
One of Hughes’ first major jobs will be addressing looming contract issues. Star forward Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk are both entering the final stretches of their current deals. At 32 and 33 respectively, their futures remain uncertain, with negotiations likely to be complex.
Meanwhile, there’s growing speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold may leave when his contract expires this summer. Though Conor Bradley has shown flashes of promise and could step into the role, losing Alexander-Arnold would mark the end of an era for a player who has redefined the right-back role during his time at Anfield.
Another key name whose time on Merseyside could be coming to a close is Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan striker, signed for a club-record £85m, has netted just 25 Premier League goals across three seasons. Liverpool are believed to be considering alternatives, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak high on their wish list. However, prising him away from St. James’ Park won’t be easy.
In the broader Premier League landscape, a major creative void is emerging. Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne—arguably the greatest playmaker the league has seen since Ryan Giggs—is expected to leave English football this summer. With his departure, there’s an opportunity for a new midfield maestro to rise.
According to reputable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are closely monitoring the 21-year-old Dutch sensation, currently shining at RB Leipzig. While Simons is not a like-for-like replacement for Alexander-Arnold or Salah, his attacking prowess, vision, and flair could be exactly what Liverpool need to usher in a new era of dominance.
Simons is on loan at Leipzig from PSG, but the Bundesliga club hold significant interest in retaining him. However, financial considerations may force their hand. With Leipzig currently outside the Champions League qualification spots, they may be open to selling their star asset for a fee around €75m (approximately £63m).
Described as an “artist” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Simons is a magician in the final third. Standing at just 5'6", he uses his low center of gravity to glide through defensive lines, finding pockets of space with ease. He’s not just quick with his feet, but also with his mind—constantly scanning, positioning, and creating.
Stats from FBref underline just how influential he’s been in 2024/25: ranking in the top 12% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted, top 10% for progressive passes, and top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. These numbers align him with the very best in the business, including the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Martin Ødegaard.
Simons has already contributed 12 goals and assists in 19 Bundesliga appearances this season and averages 2.2 key passes and 5.3 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore. Those figures suggest a player ready to make the leap to the Premier League.
What makes Simons especially appealing to Liverpool is his versatility. He can operate as a central attacking midfielder, a winger on either side, or even in a deeper creative role. That tactical flexibility would be invaluable to Slot as he looks to imprint his own system while preserving some of Klopp’s pressing DNA.
Comparisons to De Bruyne might seem bold, but the trajectories aren't entirely dissimilar. The Belgian playmaker struggled to make an impact during his early stint at Chelsea but blossomed after a move to Wolfsburg, eventually returning to England to become a City legend.
Now 33, De Bruyne is second only to Ryan Giggs in all-time Premier League assists (118), having won six league titles and a Champions League crown. While Simons has a long way to go to reach such heights, his early numbers suggest he could be a worthy successor in the creative spotlight.
With a fellow Dutchman like Slot guiding him, Simons could flourish at Anfield. He’s already demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stages, having impressed against Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League.
Liverpool, long praised for their well-structured recruitment model, rarely spend big without a clear plan. Simons represents not just an exciting prospect, but a smart long-term investment. With creativity in midfield potentially taking a hit following the departures of Alexander-Arnold and perhaps even Salah, Simons could be the spark needed to power the next chapter of the Reds’ evolution.
And for the player himself, a move to Merseyside could be the perfect platform. In a league craving a new playmaking king, Simons could seize the throne—especially under the guidance of Slot, a coach who seems perfectly suited to nurture his compatriot’s immense talent.
As the Premier League prepares to bid farewell to one of its greatest ever creators, Liverpool might just be lining up the next great entertainer to take his place.
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