Erik ten Hag thinks Liverpool could be signing a top-class player – 'He's un-Dutch'

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, who previously caught the attention of former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. As the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s contract continues to grow, rumours linking Liverpool boss Arne Slot with the 21-year-old playmaker are gaining momentum.

Despite their current stronghold on the Premier League summit, the Reds may be looking to bolster their attacking options especially given Salah’s uncertain future. The Athletic (via The Mirror) reported Liverpool have long admired Athletic Club’s Nico Williams and are likely to pursue Lille star Jonathan David – whose contract expires in the summer – along with Dutch sensation Simons.

Of the three, it was Simons who piqued the interest of ex-United boss Ten Hag when he reportedly pursued him last summer. The young talent, who has spent the past two seasons on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain, is a regular in the Netherlands squad and fits the mould of Liverpool’s typical targets.

Capable of playing across all three forward positions, Simons made a strong impression at Euro 2024 last summer. And he earned particular praise from Ten Hag after scoring a spectacular goal in the 2-1 semi-final loss to England.

“I enjoyed Xavi Simons in that game [against England],” he said. “The drive he has, the passion with which he conquers balls and recognises situations are top. His enormous drive as well. That is almost un-Dutch. I think you can see that he was trained abroad. He almost has a southern European doggedness in his game.”

Simons began his professional life in Barcelona and moved to PSG in 2019. However, he then signed for Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven in 2022 before returning to Paris for around €5million the following year.

He has spent the last two seasons on loan in the Bundesliga since returning to the French capital. And he has registered two goals and one assist in seven starts from the left wing so far this season.

The Athletic reported that if Simons were to leave PSG once again this summer, Liverpool would be seen as one of the most likely destinations. The report went on to say those close to the situation are said to “forecast a move to the Premier League or La Liga” with the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern, and Real Madrid also believed to be showing interest.

During Euro 2024, Xavi Simons refused to be drawn into conversation about his future: “I was happy in Paris. Things have happened. Now, I was in Leipzig this year. We’ll see after the Euros.”

The Athletic revealed that along with interest in Simons, Canadian hotshot David is also liked at Liverpool. They’ve identified the 24-year-old as “one of the most sought-after free agents in the market next summer,” though Juventus are reported to be front-runners in that pursuit.

It’s also emerged that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who resisted a transfer to Anfield last summer, might be having second thoughts. This could potentially open the door to a move in 2025, although it’s not likely to materialise in the January window.

Yet with Ryan Gravenberch showcasing formidable form in midfield for Liverpool, management may shift the focus to strengthening other areas. The Merseysiders are also apparently harbouring “a long-standing admiration” for Athletic Club winger Williams, with reports indicating a potential switch could happen in 2025.

Salah’s contract conundrum at Anfield hangs in the balance. It’s understood there is still no offer on the table to extend his stay, despite Salah’s openness to potentially sign a one-year stop-gap deal amid growing dissatisfaction.

Yet the Egyptian maestro continues to dazzle on the pitch. Salah boasts a stupendous tally of 13 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this campaign, suggesting he’s lost little of his potency at 32 years of age.