Xavi Simons has revealed Timo Werner played a part in convincing him to pick Tottenham Hotspur in the summer window.
The Netherlands international has been speaking to LVZ about his spell at the Bundesliga club and his decision to join Tottenham.
Simons spent two years at Leipzig between 2023 and 2025 and during his initial months, he played alongside Werner, before the 29-year-old German was sent out on loan to the north London club in January 2024.
Last summer, the Europa League winners extended his loan stay for another season and secured a purchase option. Spurs decided against exercising it after Werner managed a goal and three assists from 27 games and failed to score in the Premier League.
The German has returned to Leipzig this summer and despite his struggles at Tottenham, he had only positive things to say about the club to the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.
When LVZ asked Simons whether he held talks with Werner before joining the English club, he said: “Yes, he told me a lot about the size of the club and the fantastic fans. And he said he believed it was the right place for me to learn and improve.”
The Dutchman was repeatedly linked to Chelsea before their London rival swooped in, and the player now insists, he took the right step by joining Thomas Frank’s side.
“Yes, I’m happy to be a Tottenham player. It’s been my dream to play in the Premier League since I was a child. The club’s vision, the magnificent stadium, the fans, the quality of the team, the manager, it’s a fantastic environment. I want to settle into my new home quickly and show why Tottenham signed me,” Simons explained.
The newspaper were curious to known whether Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl had also shown interest in him.
“There are always talks in football, but I don’t want to name names. Max was one of the people who brought me to RB, and I will always be grateful to him for that,” he added.
“The most important thing was to find a place where I could continue to develop and express my playing style. That’s the case with Spurs. My first impressions of the club are great; I felt the energy and ambition when I was introduced to the fans. Expectations are high, both for the team and for me. I’m looking forward to competing against the best players in the world.”