Xavi Simons will not play for Tottenham again this season and there are now concerns over what the future holds for both him and the club
Tottenham Hotspur star Xavi Simons is set to see his £64million transfer value fall after his devastating injury. The forward will be unavailable to Roberto De Zerbi for some time due to a serious knee injury.
The Netherlands international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during Spurs' 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday afternoon. The winger was stretchered off after the incident, and Tottenham released a statement to confirm fans' worst fears.
The 23-year-old could be out for up to eight months with the injury. It means he will definitely miss out on being included in the Netherlands' World Cup squad this summer.
And an added concern for Spurs is his declining transfer value. CIES Football Observatory currently values him at €65million-€75m (around £64m).
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While Tottenham will not want to sell one of their best players - they may be forced to do so if they are relegated.
De Zerbi's team sit 18th in the Premier League table and are two points from safety. Spurs have just four games left to preserve their top-flight status, with last weekend's win over relegated Wolves their sole victory in the league this year.
The true cost of Spurs dropping into the Championship could be north of £200m. Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy inserted relegation clauses into several Tottenham players' contracts, which will undoubtedly help their financial situation.
But Simons' serious injury will limit how much they could receive for him once he is fit to play. The young star made the move to north London in a deal worth £51.8m last summer, and the club will be hoping to make a profit on that deal if he is sold.
Taking to Instagram to share his emotions after news of his injury was confirmed, he said: "They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way. My season has come to an abrupt end and I’m just trying to process it.
"Honestly, I’m heartbroken. None of it makes sense. All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me… along with the World Cup.
"Representing my country this summer…just gone. It’ll take time to find peace with this, but I’ll continue to be the best teammate I can be. I have no doubt that together we’ll win this fight.
"I’ll walk this path now, guided by faith, with strength, with resilience, with belief, as I count down the days to getting back out there. Be patient with me. TTP. COYS."
Simons has joined an ever-growing list of injured stars at Tottenham. Cristian Romero will miss eight weeks with a knee tear, while Wilson Odobert is also facing a long time out due to an ACL injury.
Spurs return to action on Sunday away at Champions League-chasing Aston Villa (7pm BST).