Tottenham Hotspur has officially secured the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a significant transfer deal valued at £51 million. The 22-year-old midfielder, who had piqued the interest of Chelsea throughout the summer transfer window, ultimately chose to join Spurs, who acted swiftly to outmaneuver their London rivals and finalize the agreement.
In his announcement video, Simons addressed the speculation surrounding his potential move to Chelsea, stating, “Noise? Don’t listen to it all, only what matters. Tottenham called and I answered.” This comment highlights his eagerness to embrace the opportunity at Spurs and focus on his new journey with the club.
Reports from Sky Sports News indicate that Simons has committed to an initial five-year contract, with the option of two additional years, emphasizing the club’s long-term vision in integrating him into the squad. Fans can look forward to his official presentation ahead of Tottenham’s upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth, where he will be welcomed into the fold.
Chelsea’s decision not to pursue Simons actively stemmed from shifting priorities within their squad, as they seek to wrap up a £40 million deal for Alejandro Garnacho. Their valuation of Simons, estimated between £43.3 million (€50 million) and £47.6 million (€55 million), fell short of the eventual fee agreed upon by Tottenham. This transfer marks a pivotal moment for Spurs, as they were previously left frustrated in their search for a creative attacking midfielder, missing out on key targets such as Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
The addition of Simons is particularly crucial for manager Thomas Frank, who faced a significant setback with the long-term injury of James Maddison, sidelining the English international for the majority of the current season. Simons’ versatility and attacking prowess will be invaluable as he steps into a role often characterized by creativity and flair.
Interestingly, Simons was also on the radar of prominent clubs like Bayern Munich, which underscores the high regard in which he is held in European football. With this transfer, he becomes Spurs’ seventh signing of the summer, contributing to an impressive expenditure surpassing £170 million.
Despite this major acquisition, Tottenham has not lost sight of its other objectives, with reports suggesting that they are still keen on acquiring a left-winger before the transfer window closes. In his statement to the club’s official website, Simons expressed his excitement about joining Spurs, stating, “I’m really happy and can’t wait to get going. I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time.”
He also emphasized the importance of hard work and discipline in his approach to the game, saying, “I will bring flair to the team, but also hard work and discipline. I want to do everything I can to win, for the team and also for the fans.” Such remarks should resonate well with Spurs supporters who are eager for a competitive and successful season.
In a nod to the legacy left by the club’s former captain Heung-Min Son, Simons will don the iconic No. 7 shirt, a number that holds significant meaning for him. “The year at PSV, (7) was the number that I had,” he explained. “I had a really good season as well, and the national team I’m number seven as well, so for me this was the best option.” He acknowledged Son’s tremendous impact at the club, stating, “He made his own story with this number… Everyone loves Son.”
As a graduate of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, Simons made his transition to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 as a promising teenager, later rising to prominence during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven. His time at Leipzig was marked by consistent performances, scoring 22 goals in 78 appearances, which solidified his status as a noteworthy talent.
Manager Thomas Frank captured the sentiment surrounding Simons’ arrival perfectly, stating, “I’m really pleased we have brought Xavi in – he is a great addition to the squad.” He highlighted Simons’ mix of youth and experience, noting, “Xavi has proven his ability to get goals and assists, both from the No 10 position and left-wing.” This optimistic view indicates that the coaching staff firmly believes in Simons’ potential to make a meaningful contribution to the team’s efforts as they look to build on their performance in the league.
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