Tottenham Sign Xavi Simons: A Game-Changing Transfer
The summer transfer window has exploded with headlines as Tottenham sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £51.8 million (€60m). The 22-year-old Dutch international, one of Europe’s most sought-after attacking midfielders, becomes Spurs’ latest high-profile arrival, joining Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha as part of a bold rebuild under head coach Thomas Frank.
For Simons, this move represents the fulfillment of a dream. The midfielder expressed his excitement after completing his medical, saying he had “been dreaming of this for a long time” and believes Spurs are “the right place” for his career.
Why Tottenham Signed Xavi Simons
Tottenham’s decision to secure Simons comes after a frustrating summer where they missed out on key targets like Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze. Rivals Arsenal managed to land Eze, while Nottingham Forest refused to sell Gibbs-White.
By contrast, Spurs pulled off a coup, beating interest from Chelsea and other European giants to seal Simons’ signature. Chelsea held talks with Leipzig earlier this summer but shifted their focus to Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho instead.
Xavi Simons’ Impressive Record at RB Leipzig
Before Tottenham signed Xavi Simons, the Dutch star was lighting up the Bundesliga. In 78 appearances for RB Leipzig, he recorded 22 goals and 24 assists, showcasing his ability as both a finisher and creator.
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Last season alone, despite missing 15 games with an ankle injury, Simons delivered 11 goals and 8 assists.
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He averaged 2.2 chances created per 90 minutes, more than Gibbs-White and Eze.
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His passing vision made him one of the Bundesliga’s most productive creators, with more than 7 passes into the box per game.
These numbers explain why Spurs see him as a cornerstone of their attacking future.
Where Will Xavi Simons Play at Spurs?
Since Tottenham sign Xavi Simons as part of a squad overhaul, the key question is how Thomas Frank will use him.
Frank has already experimented with multiple systems at Spurs:
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A 5-3-2 formation in the Super Cup vs PSG.
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His preferred 4-3-3 in Premier League matches.
Simons is expected to thrive in the 4-3-3, where he can play on the left of the front three, cutting inside onto his right foot. He spent around 75% of his Bundesliga minutes in that role last season.
However, his versatility is a major asset. Simons can also slot into central attacking midfield, play on the right, or even operate deeper in a tactical setup like Leipzig’s “box midfield” under Marco Rose.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Xavi Simons
Former Premier League coach Edu Rubio described Simons as a “modern attacker” with a unique skill set.
Strengths:
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Excellent range of passing.
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Ability to carry the ball at pace.
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High defensive work rate, pressing and counter-pressing effectively.
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Strong chance creation and vision in the final third.
Weaknesses:
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Needs to improve on his weaker foot.
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May face a steep learning curve with the physicality of the Premier League.
Still, with his energy, creativity, and technical ability, Simons looks tailor-made for Spurs’ attacking plans.
From Barcelona to Tottenham: The Journey of Xavi Simons
Before Tottenham sign Xavi Simons, his career path had already captured global attention.
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Barcelona La Masia: Joined at age 7, quickly became a standout prospect.
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PSG (2019–2022): Signed after leaving Barcelona, mentored by Neymar but limited to 11 senior appearances.
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PSV Loan (2022–23): Breakthrough season, showing his creative brilliance.
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RB Leipzig (2023–2025): Became one of the Bundesliga’s brightest stars.
Fun fact: Xavi Simons was named after the Barcelona legend Xavi Hernández and gained over 1 million Instagram followers by the age of 14, highlighting his profile as a football prodigy.
Now, Spurs fans hope his journey reaches its peak in North London.
Could Simons Be Spurs’ Creator-in-Chief?
Tottenham’s failure to land Gibbs-White and Eze means the pressure is on Simons to deliver. His Bundesliga statistics suggest he could become Spurs’ most important creative spark, surpassing the club’s recent midfielders in chance creation and passing efficiency.
If Simons adapts quickly, Spurs may finally have the midfield maestro they have been craving since the departure of Christian Eriksen.
A £52m Gamble That Could Pay Off
At £51.8m, the deal is a major investment for Tottenham. However, given Simons’ age, versatility, and track record, many see it as a smart long-term signing. If he delivers on his potential, he could transform Spurs’ attack and help close the gap with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
The coming months will reveal whether Tottenham’s gamble has brought them the creative edge they’ve been missing.
