7 hours ago
1
Xavi Simons has put the noise around his future well and truly behind him after starring for RB Leipzig in their first competitive game of the new season. He both scored and assisted in a 4-2 German Cup win over SV Saundhausen on Saturday.
For Simons, who continues to wait for Chelsea and Leipzig to reach an agreement over a permanent summer transfer, it was very much business as usual. He has played a full role in pre-season for Ole Werner's side and was selected to start here.
Despite a slow start against fourth-tier opposition (who have been relegated twice in the past two years), Simons helped Leipzig get back into gear. He played a role in the equalising goal, striding onto a ball at the edge of the box before laying it off for what could be termed a pre-assist.
Leipzig went behind again but Simons popped up to provide a set-piece cross for Willi Orban to head home, once more levelling the tie. The 22-year-old then had the chance to score himself, blazing over from close range as he leaned back and fell over with an off-balance shot in a good position.
Simons wasn't involved in what would turn out to be the winner but did get a goal to see the win in stoppage time, picking up the ball on the left of the area - where he may well find himself often at Chelsea - before exchanging a one-two to get to the byline, opening up his body and finishing through the goalkeepers legs from a tight angle. He then celebrated with serious passion.
Leaping into the air, Simons pumped his fists and looked relieved to have helped drag his side through the first round. It could end up being his last goal, if not his last appearance.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Chelsea are working on a deal to bring him to England but are also in the process of trying to sell Christopher Nkunku. Bayern Munich have emerged as serious contenders to buy him and that move could lead to Simons finally getting over the line.
There has been a frustrating wait in recent weeks as Chelsea attempt to balance the books with sales. Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have all left since the club last made a new signing but it has not led to a breakthrough with Simons yet.
As Chelsea prepared to start their season at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday, seeing Simons act in a professional manner will be appreciated by all sides as the wait goes on. Unlike others who have caused more of a fuss and tries to force a transfer this window, Simons has remained part of the Leipzig squad.
He will now be looking ahead to Friday's daunting task of visiting Bayern. Should Bayern themselves act quickly over Nkunku, then he may be at Chelsea by then instead.
Chelsea will certainly hope that is the case. For now, Simons remains committed to playing for his current side and took to social media afterwards.
Posting on Instagram, he put up an image of his trademark phone call celebration. Simons captioned the picture: "RingRing."
Ironically for Simons, he is waiting for a phone call that could change the very outlook of his career. With a big move on the horizon, this promises to be one of the most defining weeks of his life so far. For now, it says it all that he is managing to play like there is nothing going on at all.
English (US) ·