Premier League trio Liverpool, Southampton and Newcastle United turned down the chance to sign Moses Simon with the Nigeria international now starring at the African Cup of Nations, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer.
Kelechi Iheanacho might have scored the only goal of the game as the Super Eagles kicked off their AFCON campaign with a 1-0 victory over Mo Salah’s Egypt, controlling a cross and thumping a volley into the top corner, but Simon was the best player on the pitch.
The spring-heeled winger gave Carlos Quieroz’s defence more headaches than a weary parent at a five-year-old’s birthday party.
And if Simon can build on his superb start to the tournament, a January move might just be on the cards.
All Nigeria Soccer say that a number of as-yet unnamed Premier League clubs are watching the 26-year-old closely.
Why did Liverpool and Newcastle not sign Moses Simon?
This is not the first time Simon, who currently plies his trade for Ligue 1 outfit Nantes, has been linked with a move across the Channel either.
ANS add that Liverpool, Southampton and Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Simon in recent transfer windows.
All three decided against bringing the one-time Ajax youngster to England however. So did Brighton and Hove Albion.
“There was interest from Liverpool but nothing is concrete for now,” Simon told AOI Football back in 2018 before leaving Gent for La Liga outfit Levante instead.
According to The Mail, Brighton also submitted an offer in the region of £8 million during Simon’s time in Belgium. It is not certain why The Seagulls decided against meeting Gent’s £13 million price-tag.
Simon has two goals and six assists in 18 Ligue 1 games for Nantes this season.
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