How Former Spurs Forward Convinced Xavi Simons to Join Tottenham

In the whirlwind of the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur secured one of the most exciting signings of the season with the acquisition of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig for £51.8m.

The 22-year-old Dutch attacking midfielder, long regarded as one of Europe’s brightest talents, arrived to bolster Spurs’ attacking options under new head coach Thomas Frank. While Frank’s vision and honest approach played a significant role in sealing the deal, another key factor in Simons’ decision to join the North London club was the influence of former teammate Timo Werner.

The German forward, who spent 18 months on loan at Tottenham from Leipzig, proved instrumental in convincing Simons to make the move to the Premier League.

A Shared History at RB Leipzig

Timo Werner and Xavi Simons shared the pitch at RB Leipzig during the 2023/24 season, where their chemistry on and off the field laid the foundation for Werner’s role in Simons’ transfer. Werner, a pacey forward known for his relentless pressing and ability to exploit spaces, had been a key figure at Leipzig before his loan move to Tottenham in January 2024.

During their time together, Simons thrived in Leipzig’s dynamic system, often playing as a No. 10 or wide-forward, contributing 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 appearances across all competitions. Werner’s direct style complemented Simons’ flair and vision, creating a mutual respect that would prove pivotal when Tottenham came calling.

Tottenham’s Need for Creativity

Tottenham’s pursuit of Simons was driven by necessity. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined by long-term knee injuries, and club legend Son Heung-min departing for LAFC, Spurs were in desperate need of a creative spark in the final third.

Previous attempts to sign attacking midfielders like Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze had fallen through, with Arsenal snatching Eze in a late transfer coup.

Simons, with his versatility to play as a No. 10 or on the left wing, emerged as the ideal candidate to fill the void. His 18 assists and 10 goals in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons underscored his ability to unlock defenses and contribute directly to the scoresheet.

However, convincing a player of Simons’ caliber to join a club in transition was no small feat. Enter Timo Werner, whose prior relationship with Simons gave Tottenham an edge. Werner’s conversations with Simons focused not only on the club’s storied history but also on the unique environment at Spurs, where the fans’ passion and the club’s ambition to compete in the Premier League and Champions League could provide the perfect platform for Simons to elevate his game.

The Decisive Factor

While Thomas Frank’s honest conversations with Simons about his strengths and areas for improvement were crucial, Werner’s personal touch added a layer of trust to the decision. Simons, who had bounced between Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, PSV, and Leipzig in his young career, was seeking a club where he could find stability and growth. Werner’s first-hand account of Tottenham’s project, combined with his belief in Simons’ fit for the club, helped tip the scales.

In an interview with The Standard, Simons revealed the impact of Werner’s words: “He told me a lot about the club’s greatness and the fantastic fans,” said Simons. “And he said he thought it was the right place for me to learn and improve. Thanks for your trust, Timo!”

A New Chapter for Simons

Since joining Tottenham, Simons has expressed excitement about wearing the No. 7 shirt, previously donned by Son Heung-min, and making his mark in the Premier League.

His versatility, flair, and defensive work rate—evidenced by his 51 possessions won in the final third over two Bundesliga seasons—make him a perfect fit for Frank’s high-pressing, dynamic system. While adapting to the Premier League’s intensity will be a challenge, Simons’ early comments suggest he is ready to embrace it, thanks in part to Werner’s guidance.