Tottenham have signed Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig for £51.8m. The 22-year-old passed his medical and joined Thomas Frank’s team after strong interest from several European clubs. He admitted he had “dreamed of this for a long time” and looked thrilled about the move.
Simons scored 22 goals and delivered 24 assists in 78 games for Leipzig. He first arrived there on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 before making the switch permanent earlier this year. For the Netherlands, he already netted five goals in 28 appearances since his debut at the 2022 World Cup.
“I’m really happy and can’t wait to get going,” said Simons. “It’s a great club, and after meeting the head coach I knew immediately this was the right place for me.”
Frank praised the signing. “Xavi is a great addition,” he said. “He already has strong experience despite his age.” The midfielder follows Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus as new summer arrivals in North London.
Chelsea had held talks with Leipzig about Simons but instead moved closer to signing Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United for £40m. Spurs also failed with bids for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal.
A modern attacker with flair
Frank now faces the question of where Simons will fit into his plans. Known for tactical flexibility, the new Spurs boss has already used both 5-3-2 and 4-3-3 formations. Simons looks best suited to the 4-3-3 system. He could play on the left of the front three, cutting inside on his stronger right foot.
Last season in the Bundesliga, he spent 75% of his time on the left but also played centrally or on the right when needed. Former Leipzig coach Marco Rose often deployed him deeper in 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2 systems, asking him to adapt to different midfield shapes. Adjusting to Frank’s approach may take time.
Former West Ham, Wolves and Crystal Palace coach Edu Rubio analysed Simons’ qualities. “He has excellent passing range and carries the ball at pace,” Rubio said. “He can add goals, though his weaker foot needs improvement. His defensive work and pressing are strong. He must adapt to the Premier League’s physicality, but he is a very exciting modern attacker.”
Can he become Tottenham’s creator-in-chief?
Spurs were disappointed after missing Gibbs-White and Eze. Simons’ arrival helps to fill that creative gap. His numbers from last season underline his potential.
Despite an ankle injury that kept him out for 15 matches, he contributed 11 goals and eight assists. He created 2.2 chances per 90 minutes and delivered over seven passes into the box per game. Those figures outshone both Eze and Gibbs-White. His ability to play through balls and open defences makes him a prime creative force.
From Barcelona’s academy to Tottenham
Simons grew up at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and later joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. A loan at PSV in 2022-23 showcased his talent before he moved to Leipzig, where he scored 22 goals and made 24 assists across all competitions.
He is the second major Leipzig departure to England this summer, after Benjamin Sesko joined Manchester United for £73.7m. Named after Spanish legend Xavi, he became one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe.
By 14, Simons had more than a million Instagram followers, a Nike deal, and had featured alongside Neymar and Ronaldinho in adverts. At 16, he left Barcelona for PSG after failing to reach a contract agreement. Neymar took him under his wing in Paris, where Simons made his debut at 17 but played only 11 senior matches. He then left in search of regular football.
The versatile midfielder can operate on either wing or behind the striker. He also speaks six languages. At the 2022 World Cup, he became the youngest Dutch player to appear in the knockout stages when he faced the USA.
