In a dramatic late transfer window move, Tottenham Hotspur have clinched the signing of RB Leipzig’s highly sought-after attacking midfielder Xavi Simons for £51.8 million, outmaneuvering rivals Chelsea in the race for the 22-year-old Netherlands international. The deal, finalized on August 29, 2025, marks a significant coup for Spurs as they bolster their attacking options ahead of the transfer deadline.
Simons, who has been a long-term target for Chelsea, arrived in London on Thursday to hold talks and complete a medical, with personal terms agreed on a five-year contract that includes an option for two additional seasons. The versatile Dutchman, capable of playing as a No. 10, on the left wing, or in a deeper midfield role, is expected to fill the creative void left by injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. Spurs had previously missed out on targets Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal, and Morgan Gibbs-White, who signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest, making Simons’ acquisition a vital boost for head coach Thomas Frank’s squad.
The transfer comes after Leipzig granted Simons permission to explore a Premier League move, with the Bundesliga club keen to finalize a deal to fund their pursuit of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. Chelsea, despite earlier interest and agreed personal terms with Simons, shifted focus to securing Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho for £40 million, leaving the door open for Spurs to swoop in.
The strong relationship between Tottenham and Leipzig, built through previous deals like Timo Werner’s loans, facilitated swift negotiations. Simons, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, brings a wealth of experience despite his young age. With 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 appearances for Leipzig, alongside 28 caps for the Netherlands, he is a dynamic addition to Spurs’ squad.
His ability to play in multiple attacking roles aligns perfectly with Frank’s tactical flexibility, particularly in the 4-3-3 formation, where Simons is likely to feature on the left, cutting in on his favored right foot. Former coach Edu Rubio praised Simons’ passing range, ball-carrying ability, and defensive work rate, though he noted the player may need time to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality.
This signing, alongside recent additions like Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha, signals Spurs’ ambition to compete in the Premier League and Champions League. With the transfer window closing on September 1, Tottenham are also reportedly pursuing a left winger and a left-sided center-back to further strengthen their squad.
Simons, who has been a long-term target for Chelsea, arrived in London on Thursday to hold talks and complete a medical, with personal terms agreed on a five-year contract that includes an option for two additional seasons. The versatile Dutchman, capable of playing as a No. 10, on the left wing, or in a deeper midfield role, is expected to fill the creative void left by injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. Spurs had previously missed out on targets Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal, and Morgan Gibbs-White, who signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest, making Simons’ acquisition a vital boost for head coach Thomas Frank’s squad.
The transfer comes after Leipzig granted Simons permission to explore a Premier League move, with the Bundesliga club keen to finalize a deal to fund their pursuit of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. Chelsea, despite earlier interest and agreed personal terms with Simons, shifted focus to securing Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho for £40 million, leaving the door open for Spurs to swoop in.
The strong relationship between Tottenham and Leipzig, built through previous deals like Timo Werner’s loans, facilitated swift negotiations. Simons, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, brings a wealth of experience despite his young age. With 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 appearances for Leipzig, alongside 28 caps for the Netherlands, he is a dynamic addition to Spurs’ squad.
His ability to play in multiple attacking roles aligns perfectly with Frank’s tactical flexibility, particularly in the 4-3-3 formation, where Simons is likely to feature on the left, cutting in on his favored right foot. Former coach Edu Rubio praised Simons’ passing range, ball-carrying ability, and defensive work rate, though he noted the player may need time to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality.
This signing, alongside recent additions like Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha, signals Spurs’ ambition to compete in the Premier League and Champions League. With the transfer window closing on September 1, Tottenham are also reportedly pursuing a left winger and a left-sided center-back to further strengthen their squad.
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