Tottenham Poised to Snatch Xavi Simons from Chelsea's Grasp in Transfer Battle
In an unexpected turn of events that will feel both unfamiliar and satisfying, Tottenham Hotspur are set to finalize a triumphant acquisition of a player desired by one of their Premier League competitors, Xavi Simons, according to multiple sources.
The Netherlands midfielder has been extensively connected with a transfer to Chelsea. RB Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer practically acknowledged the mutual interest last week before what many anticipated would be a swift announcement at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, it is Spurs who have emerged victorious at the final moment.
Tottenham have secured acceptance of a €60 million (£51.8 million, $70 million) offer for Simons from RB Leipzig and successfully negotiated personal terms with the midfielder who completed his medical examination on Thursday, according to The Athletic. RB's outgoing star is expected to pen a five-year deal running until 2030 with an additional two-year extension clause, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Simons addresses the creative void left in Tottenham's midfield following Son Heung-min's summer departure and James Maddison's season-long injury. Dejan Kulusevski has also been dealing with fitness issues during the opening weeks of this campaign, compelling Thomas Frank to deploy a midfield prioritizing work rate over finesse.
The former Barcelona youth product, who initially gained recognition as a youngster through viral YouTube content, experienced a marked decline in performance quality and frequency last season. However, the same could be observed across his RB Leipzig colleagues during what proved to be a disappointing campaign.
If the Simons transfer materializes, the 22-year-old would rank as Tottenham's fourth most costly signing in history and certainly among their most gratifying acquisitions.
The north London club have already been outmaneuvered by Arsenal this summer regarding Eberechi Eze and possess a painful track record of reaching advanced negotiation stages for players only to witness them join domestic rivals. Luis Díaz and Rúben Dias were enticed by Liverpool and Manchester City respectively, Bruno Fernandes's move fell through, and Willian was at the Spurs training facility before rushing off to Chelsea.
This time it is the Blues who must rue a missed opportunity.