Spurs fans, get ready! Tottenham is reportedly on the brink of a massive £51.8m deal for Xavi Simons. After missing out on some key targets, is this the electrifying attacker to ignite their season? This could be a game-changer for North London! What do you think?
Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly on the precipice of securing a monumental transfer, with sources indicating a £51.8 million deal for RB Leipzig’s highly coveted Netherlands international, Xavi Simons, is nearing completion. This impending acquisition signals a significant statement of intent from the North London club, aiming to inject youthful dynamism and potent attacking prowess into their squad for the upcoming season.
Simons’ journey to this pivotal transfer has been marked by a series of impressive performances. After joining RB Leipzig on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, he made his move permanent in January, tallying an exceptional record of 22 goals and 24 assists across 78 appearances for the German club. His consistent output underscores his attacking threat and playmaking capabilities on the European stage.
Spurs manager Frank has expressed considerable enthusiasm regarding Simons’ arrival, praising him as a “great addition” who, despite his relatively young age, “already has good experience” at an elite level. The forward is understood to have signed a “long-term deal,” solidifying his commitment to the club and highlighting the potential Tottenham sees in his development and immediate impact.
The pursuit of Simons was not without competition, as it has emerged that Chelsea had previously engaged in discussions with RB Leipzig for the Dutch attacker this summer. Tottenham’s success in securing his signature amidst such strong interest further emphasizes the strategic importance of this transfer and their ability to attract top-tier talent.
This imminent signing also provides a welcome boost for Spurs, who had previously faced disappointments in their transfer window. Earlier attempts to bring in Nottingham Forest’s attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White were unsuccessful, and Eberechi Eze, another key target, ultimately opted to join rivals Arsenal from Crystal Palace. Simons’ arrival is set to temper these earlier setbacks with considerable optimism.
Tactically, Simons offers significant versatility, having been predominantly deployed on the left flank in the Bundesliga last season, where he spent approximately 75% of his playing time. However, his capabilities extend to playing centrally or on the right, providing Manager Frank with flexible options in the attacking third to adapt to various match situations and opponents.
Despite his undeniable talent, there may be an initial period of adaptation for Simons. Former RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose frequently utilized him in different tactical setups, including deeper roles in a traditional 4-4-2 or more narrowly in a ‘box midfield’ 4-2-2-2, which encouraged full-backs to push forward. This suggests Simons will need time to fully acclimate to Frank’s specific methods and the unique physicality of the Premier League, though experts agree he is a very exciting modern attacker.
The tempered disappointment from missing out on other targets is significantly outweighed by the encouragement Simons’ statistics provide. Last season alone, he was directly involved in 19 goals across all competitions for Leipzig, with 11 goals and eight assists, despite being sidelined for 15 matches due due to an ankle injury. These numbers highlight his crucial impact even when facing injury setbacks.
Furthermore, Simons’ transfer marks him as the second major move from RB Leipzig to the Premier League this summer, following Benjamin Sesko’s £73.7 million transfer to Manchester United. His international experience, including becoming the Netherlands’ youngest player to feature in the knockout stages of the World Cup in 2022, solidifies his standing as one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
