Why Liverpool's Elliott could be the perfect Simons replacement at RB Leipzig

Liverpool have been one of the busier clubs in this summer's transfer market, clearly taking the view that strengthening whilst they're at the peak of their powers is preferable to waiting until it's obvious certain areas of the squad need attention.

To date, the Reds have signed Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Jarrel Quansah, Tyler Morton, Nat Phillips and Caoimhin Kelleher have all departed.

It seems that Darwin Nunez could be on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal, Federico Chiesa would appear to be surplus to requirements and Arne Slot clearly still has a strong interest in Newcastle marksman Alexander Isak.

Therefore, the make-up of Liverpool's starting XI could look significantly different in the 2025/26 season than it did in the previous campaign.

Harvey Elliott remains beloved by Liverpool fans

One player that's beloved by the Anfield faithful but has never really been able to stake a claim for a regular starting spot is 22-year-old Harvey Elliott.

Though still a little raw for Liverpool's more silky style of play, his tenacious way of working has always found favour with the supporters who appreciate the effort he always gives to the team despite only receiving cursory minutes here and there.

Indeed, in the Premier League last season, he managed just 360 minutes or four total games, even if the records show he participated in 18 top-flight matches, only two of which he started.

In a World Cup year, that clearly isn't enough for a player who's consistently shone for England's U21 side, including at this summer's successful European Championship.

A move away from Anfield seems almost certain

A recent interview seemed to suggest that boyhood Liverpool supporter Elliott had finally resigned himself to a move away.

“If I had it my way, I would be here for the rest of my career, it’s as simple as that. I love everything about the club but at the same time, I kind of need to be selfish with myself and see what’s best for me. I have big ambitions, I want to get in the World Cup squad and keep being successful as a player.

"I think it’s still something I need to review, I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation. Obviously, we have many new players that have come in, so whether it blocks the path for me, I’m not sure. It’s something for me to decide and have a look at."

Sensing the opportunity to replace Xavi Simons, Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig have opened initial talks with Liverpool to test the waters regarding a possible transfer for the England man.

A run in the side brings dividends

Though Elliott has managed just 18 goals domestically in the past seven seasons, seven of which were scored with Blackburn in the 2021/22 Championship season - Simons has 40 in domestic competition by comparison - there has to be an acknowledgement of how little the former has played.

Arne Slot on Harvey ElliottOpta by Stats Perform

Furthermore, when he has been given a run in the side, Blackburn being the perfect example, he's scored goals and provided assists - 11 in the season spent at the Lancashire outfit.

Players who are in and out of the first team can't be expected to build up any sort of rhythm and, as a result, their lack of output harms their chances of more minutes. It's a vicious circle.

Similar to Simons in some areas

From Leipzig's point of view, were they to progress talks with a view of making a transfer possible, they would be getting a player who, in the seasons where he's been given the most minutes, has a shot accuracy of at least 50%.

Harvey Elliott Radar Graphic - Premier League 2024/25Opta by Stats Perform

His conversion rate of just 6.1% last season in the Premier League hints at where he needs to make a vast improvement, particularly with Simons' being at 16.7% in the same time frame, but where Elliott can excel is with his passing.

Both in terms of the range and accuracy, there's barely anything to choose between the pair, with the Liverpool man's mid-to-upper 80s completion rate just pipping Simons' low-to-mid 80s.

Xavi Simons Radar Graphic - Bundesliga 2024/25Opta by Stats Perform

Given the Dutchman has played over 1000 minutes more, Elliott's excellence can also therefore be seen in his ability to recover the ball. His 454 successes in this area are just 75 fewer than Simons.

Potential World Cup reward

Perhaps the overriding factor in how well the Englishman will fare should he move on is the fact that he has a massive point to prove and a stated aim of wanting to make the World Cup squad.

Leipzig aren't going to buy a player to replace one of theirs and then bench him either, so it could well be that the stars are going to align at just the right time for Harvey Elliott to finally get the minutes he deserves with the potential for a huge reward at the end of the season.