When Xavi Simons could make Chelsea debut after transfer in new deadline

Chelsea are interested in signing Xavi Simons this summer and it could well be that the attacking midfielder is included in the matchday squad to face Crystal Palace this weekend.

The Blues returned to Cobham last week to begin preparations for the new campaign following a longer than usual 2024/25 season. Enzo Maresca's side won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup, and qualified for the Champions League, and will be hoping for similar success in the months ahead.

The likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and Estevao have already signed this summer but it's possible even more players are signed between now and September 1. One of those could be Simons, who may leave RB Leipzig in the coming days.

The Blues remain locked in talks with RB Leipzig for Simons, who has a broad agreement on personal terms with the west Londoners. An agreement on the fee has yet to be reached, though, but negotiations are ongoing.

As is always the case in the Premier League, clubs must register a new player before midday on the last working day before they play a match to be eligible to feature. In Chelsea's case, that would be midday on Friday for a new signing to be available to play against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Premier League Handbook states: "Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match)."

So, Chelsea have until 12pm on Friday to register Simons in time so he can face Palace at Stamford Bridge this weekend. That's very much possible given how early in the week it is, but even if Simons does sign in the next few days, Maresca may even choose to bed Simons in slowly as he does have an abundance of options at the minute.

It comes after Manchester City expressed an interest in Simons with the likes of Savinho and James McAtee linked with moves away from Etihad Stadium. Tottenham have opened talks with City over a deal for Savinho while McAtee has been linked with Nottingham Forest.

The priority for Simons remains Chelsea despite the interest from City, who sources have described as 'in the race' for the Netherlands international.

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