RB Leipzig manager Ole Werner has admitted he was glad to see the transfer window close. This is despite Xavi Simons moving to Tottenham.
SportBILD cover comments from the Leipzig manager today. He admits Simons future had left the club feeling a little uneasy.
Throughout the summer transfer window, rumors linked the Dutchman with a move away from Leipzig. Chelsea, who were keen on him negotiated for much of the summer.
They never sunk the blow, though, instead spending their money elsewhere to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad. That left Simons looking for a different move late in the window.
Tottenham eventually provided that, moving at the very end of August and securing the Dutchman in a €65m deal. He’s a replacement for James Maddison, who is spending the season on the sidelines with a knee injury.
The move brought an end to months of speculation for the midfielder and Leipzig. They had expected Simons to move on this summer. This was despite signing him on a permanent basis at the end of January.
Werner was glad to see the uncertainty come to an end when Tottenham wrapped up their deal admitting it had created a sense of unease at the club.
“When a formative player leaves, then there is room for others to grow,” he said.
“He was a strong character in the team. The reorganization in the team has released energy for a departure.
“I was relieved when the transfer period was over. With Xavi it was relatively clear that he was leaving – just not when. That was a burden for the player, it kept the team and the environment busy.
“This contributes to a sense of unease. It was only when I knew what the group would look like in the final and the transfer phase was complete that I was able to plan concretely.”