football transfer: RB Leipzig target Harvey Elliott

RB Leipzig have expressed interest in Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott as they prepare for life after Xavi Simons, but multiple hurdles stand in the way of any potential transfer.

According to ESPN Soccer, while the Bundesliga side admire Elliott’s talent and see him as a suitable replacement, the financial terms and Liverpool’s stance on retaining him remain significant obstacles.

Sources told ESPN that “Leipzig are going to be reluctant to meet Liverpool’s potential €45m-50m asking price for the player.”

That figure reflects both Elliott’s importance to Arne Slot’s squad and Liverpool’s reluctance to part ways with a player who has steadily grown in stature since joining from Fulham.

Leipzig are bracing themselves for the departure of Xavi Simons, who is set to complete a move to Tottenham for a fee in the region of €60m. The Bundesliga club view Elliott as an ideal candidate to step into the void, a creative midfielder capable of influencing games at the highest level.

Although Elliott has only just turned 22, he already boasts significant experience at both Premier League and Champions League level. Last season he featured 18 times in the league and also made five appearances in Europe’s top competition.

His most recent outing came as a substitute in Liverpool’s win away at Newcastle.For Leipzig, signing Elliott would represent both ambition and continuity in their long-term strategy of recruiting young, technically gifted footballers who can develop further in the Bundesliga.

Yet their hesitation to meet Liverpool’s valuation leaves the deal finely balanced.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is determined to keep key members of his squad together. As he made clear this week, “the club shouldn’t panic about making more signings despite the transfer window closing next week.” His calmness has been welcomed in a summer where Liverpool have already endured the emotional blow of losing Diogo Jota in tragic circumstances and faced speculation around other players.

Elliott, viewed as one of the brightest English prospects, has worked his way into an important role. He is considered by club insiders to be part of the next core group that will lead Liverpool forward, blending with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Núñez in shaping the attack.“Liverpool are not under pressure to let Elliott leave. The 22-year-old is a key part of Arne Slot’s squad and sources told ESPN that Liverpool are keen to keep Elliott.” That message underlines the difficulty Leipzig face in prising him away.

The situation could only change, according to ESPN, if Liverpool bring in another attacker before the transfer deadline or if “they’re made an offer they simply can’t refuse.”