RB Leipzig eye Harvey Elliott as Xavi Simons replacement
Following Xavi Simons’ departure to Chelsea, RB Leipzig has turned its attention to Harvey Elliott, with the Bundesliga side identifying the Liverpool midfielder as the ideal successor in the No. 10 role.
According to David Ornstein, Leipzig head coach Ole Werner is keen on Elliott, who made 28 appearances last season for Liverpool, contributing eight goals across all competitions. Despite limited minutes under former boss Jürgen Klopp, the 21-year-old is viewed as a technically gifted player with strong vision and creative upside qualities Leipzig believes could flourish with a more prominent role.
Liverpool Open to Deal, Valuing Elliott at €30 Million
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is reportedly open to a potential deal, but the Premier League club has set a valuation of €30 million for Elliott. While not considered untouchable, Elliott’s versatility playing as both an attacking midfielder and a winger adds valuable depth to Liverpool’s squad.
Slot, meanwhile, is focused on integrating younger talents into the first team, and Elliott’s possible exit could open the door for one rising star in particular.
Rio Ngumoha Impresses in Pre-Season Friendlies
One of the standout performers in Liverpool’s pre-season campaign has been Rio Ngumoha, a 16-year-old forward signed from Chelsea. The teenage winger made headlines after scoring a long-range goal in Liverpool’s 3–2 win over Athletic Bilbao in a friendly match.
Ngumoha, known for his dribbling ability and attacking flair, joined Liverpool’s academy last season and already made his senior debut. His recent performances suggest he could be fast-tracked into the senior squad, especially if Elliott is sold.
Ngumoha Seen as Long-Term Successor
Though Elliott isn’t a regular starter at Anfield, his departure would leave a gap in Liverpool’s creative depth. Slot and the backroom staff believe Ngumoha can gradually fill that void throughout the 2025/26 season, with planned minutes and developmental support.
While the transition from academy football to first-team consistency is rarely seamless, Liverpool sees Ngumoha as a key part of the club’s long-term vision, especially as they aim to retool the squad under new leadership.
