TOTTENHAM SIGN XAVI SIMONS FROM RB LEIPZIG IN £51.8M DEAL
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig on Friday, handing new manager Thomas Frank a significant boost.
Throughout the summer transfer window, Spurs had been on the lookout for an attacking midfielder.
Their attempts to lure Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest fell through, while a move for Eberechi Eze collapsed after the England international left Crystal Palace for Tottenham’s arch-rivals Arsenal.
That setback has made the arrival of 22-year-old Simons even more crucial for Spurs, who, alongside Arsenal and defending champions Liverpool, have all won their opening two matches of the new Premier League campaign.
The club announced that the Netherlands international has signed a “long-term contract,” subject to international clearance and a work permit. While Tottenham did not reveal the fee, British media reported the deal to be worth an initial £51.8 million ($69.9 million) with additional add-ons.
“I’m really happy and can’t wait to get going,” Simons told the club’s website. “I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time.
“It’s a great club and when I met the head coach (Frank) I knew straight away that this was the right place for me.
“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.”
Manager Frank also praised his new signing, saying: “Xavi has proven his ability to get goals and assists, both from the number 10 position and left-wing. He also has a great eye for his team-mates in terms of unlocking defences, and I know he will come in and be part of a good team that is already working hard together.”
Spurs’ need for reinforcements had grown after James Maddison sustained a serious knee injury in pre-season, ruling him out for most of the campaign. Dejan Kulusevski, who has also featured centrally, is sidelined with a knee problem.
A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy — which produced Lionel Messi and several other stars — Simons joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 before shining on loan at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season, scoring 22 goals.
He later moved to RB Leipzig, where he netted 22 goals in 78 appearances across two seasons before sealing a permanent deal earlier this year.
Simons will be unveiled to the Spurs fans ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Bournemouth. He will wear the number seven shirt, last worn by former club captain Son Heung-min.
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