tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Xavi Simons could already be on track to become one of Tottenham’s best and most iconic players.

Daniel Levy seems to have outdone himself in the summer transfer window at long last.

After Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham and Joao Palhinha followed, it was believed that the sky was the limit for Tottenham. But after a series of disappointments, there were chants of “Levy out” once again.

But with Simons set to arrive at Tottenham as a signing Spurs supporters did not see coming, Levy is on the path of redemption. And with such a huge signing comes a massive responsibility.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Xavi Simons to be given iconic Tottenham seven shirt

Son Heung-min left Tottenham for LAFC after almost a decade in North London this summer.

While tears were shed, the South Korean left behind him Spurs’ number seven, which he made his own over the years.

There have been questions surrounding who would inherit the number from the former Tottenham captain. However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Simons is the right guy to take over the mantle.

“He’s coming to the club in a World Cup year where he’s going to be a starting player,” Wenham said.

“I think he’s got an amazing opportunity to become the face of the club as well, you know, very marketable with Nike. I think is massive for both the player and his global standing and also for Tottenham.

“There is that number seven shirt there. I know people will be thinking, oh, well, we should hold off a little bit, but I think Simons is that level of player that you could give that number seven shirt to and people would be happy with that.”

Who are Tottenham’s most iconic number sevens?

Son has put up incredible performances as Spurs’ no.7. However, the Lilywhites have seen several incredible players wear the number.

Aaron Lennon ranks high on the list, having worn the number for eight years at Tottenham. The winger made over 350 appearances for the North London club and was key to their mid-to-late 2000s revival.

Honourable mentions:

Darren Anderton is one of the most iconic players to have worn the number, making over 360 appearances for the club. In a turbulent period, he remained loyal, amazing supporters with his excellent passing and creativity.

This list would not be complete without Nick Barmby – the first official number seven for Tottenham. He wore the shirt during their first-ever Premier League season with fixed numbers.

Daniel Levy has often been criticised for not spending enough to take Tottenham to the next level.

Mauricio Pochettino went a whole year without signing a new player and still managed to take Spurs to the Champions League final.

Levy was even called out by Antonio Conte, when he was in charge of the club, for the lack of ambition.

However, the Tottenham chairman has backed Thomas Frank this summer, spending a little over £120million thus far.

Daniel Levy will pay the big bucks to sign Xavi Simons

While the Lilywhites have made a few shrewd acquisitions in the window, they do not seem to be done with their transfer activity.

MORE SPURS STORIES

RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons appears set to join Tottenham ahead of the transfer deadline.

With James Maddison set for a long-term injury absence, Spurs lack a creative attacking midfielder to set up chances for the attackers and that has seen them pursue the 22-year-old’s services.

Tottenham have agreed a £51.9million fee with RB Leipzig for the Netherlands international and that deal will make him one of their most expensive signings of all time.

The Sun reported in the print edition of its newspaper on 29 August that Simons would want at least £200k-a-week in wages.

That would mean at least £72.8million over the course of his long-term deal, taking the total value of the deal to a whopping £124.7million.

What Tottenham fans can expect from Xavi Simons

Tottenham fans can expect Simons to bring dynamic creativity and flair to the squad following his move from RB Leipzig, signing a seven-year deal.

The 22-year-old, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia, excels as a versatile attacking midfielder or winger, and will likely be operating centrally or drifting from wide areas in Frank’s system.

His strengths include exceptional dribbling, vision for key passes and through balls, explosive acceleration, and clinical finishing.

A counter-attack threat with high work rate and foul-winning prowess, the Netherlands international thrives in transitions, combining La Masia technique with physicality.

However, his weaker left foot and occasional inconsistency in wide roles may require adaptation.

With Maddison sidelined by ACL injury, he could become an instant talisman, boosting Tottenham’s Champions League ambitions if he adjusts swiftly to Premier League intensity.

Xavi Simons to Tottenham could be the best bit of business Daniel Levy will do all summer.

Levy has come under scrutiny for his failures in the transfer window this summer.

All was near enough sealed for Eberechi Eze before Arsenal swooped in for the midfielder. Piero Hincapie was another Tottenham target, but he has also given his preference to the Gunners.

Simons was close to signing for Chelsea, but Tottenham are now set to pull off a hijack of their own. With hours left on the clock, the midfielder could be announced as a Spurs player within the next hours.

Xavi Simons would rank as Tottenham’s fifth most expensive signing

As reported by Fabrizio Romano via X on 29 August, Tottenham have agreed on a £51.8million fee with RB Leipzig for Simons.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Brennan Johnson, who was signed from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m in 2023, is currently fifth on Tottenham’s all-time most expensive signings list.

However, Simons is set to displace him on the list if he arrives in North London. This puts him around £3m behind Mohammed Kudus in fourth spot, who transferred from West Ham earlier this summer.

Richarlison takes third place who was signed in 2022 from Everton for £60m. While he has had an inconsistent few years in North London, Richarlison has had an incredible start to the season for Tottenham.

Tottenham signed Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon in 2019 for a whopping £63m. Despite being seen as an exceptional talent at the time, injuries and several loan spells saw Spurs release him from his contract in 2024.

Dominic Solanke currently claims the top spot after a £65m transfer from Bournemouth in 2024. The striker was part of Spurs’ UEFA Europa League-winning squad and will be determined to have an even greater impact this season.

Is £51.8m fee a bargain for Simons?

While it is difficult to say for definite until after a couple of seasons, at first glance, £51.8m for Simons seems to be a bargain.

The Dutchman is widely considered one of the most talented players in his generation. His first season at Leipzig was exceptional, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists. He was also named in the Bundesliga Team of the Year.

While there was a small drop off during his second season, Simons still remained one of Lepizig’s most important players.

As a result, given the current rate of the transfer market, Levy could be on the verge of pulling off a financial masterstroke.

Xavi Simons has set his wage demands high ahead of a potential last-gasp move to Tottenham.

Spurs are challenging Chelsea in a move for Simons as Thomas Frank continues his search for an attacking midfield signing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Now Tottenham are said to be closing in on Simons with barely days remaining until the 1 September summer transfer deadline in North London.

Daniel Levy finally looks set to get a transfer over the line with a blockbuster move now seemingly in the pipeline at this late stage of the window.

With that being said, the wage demands of Simons may raise a few eyebrows in N17 as the Netherlands international looks set to match the salary of the Lilywhites’ skipper, Cristian Romero.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Xavi Simons wage demands revealed at Tottenham

Having signed a new contract in N17 earlier in the window after months of exit speculation, Romero is now earning around £200k-a-week at Tottenham.

This looks to have set a benchmark for any incoming signings, with the Argentine being made the top earner with Spurs this summer.

As a result, it is little surprise that the RB Leipzig man wants to reach those heights if he is to make the move to the Premier League in the coming days.

After Simons agreed a deal to join Tottenham, there were always going to be questions over his wage, especially due to his estimated £100k weekly salary in the Bundesliga.

With that being said, The Sun have reported (29 August, page 50) that the 22-year-old wants a figure in the region of £200k-per-week to join the Lilywhites this summer.

This would make the Dutchman one of the highest earners in Frank’s squad, looking likely to sit behind captain Romero on the bill.

Xavi Simons could change mood around Tottenham

Having missed out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, there was general discontent around N17, despite a superb start to the campaign.

This highlighted the frailties of Levy’s transfer strategy, having seemingly had an open road to land the England international from Crystal Palace.

Regardless of this, supporters have to move on, and that could be made increasingly easy by the huge signing of Simons.

The versatile attacker could plug a number of gaps in the Spurs squad and become an important player under Frank as the season moves forward.

A potential deal for the ex-PSG youngster has certainly gone down well in North London, is now just awaiting the final touches before an official announcement.

Pape Sarr axed in two changes – Tottenham predicted XI vs Bournemouth

Thomas Frank could make two changes when Tottenham host Bournemouth on Saturday.

Tottenham demolished Manchester City in a 2-0 victory last time out, and Frank will be looking to continue his 100 per cent league start in North London.

The Cherries bounced back from an opening day defeat to Liverpool, with a 1-0 win over Wolves and will be looking to cause a shock at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham may have been bested in the transfer market by Arsenal, but they are matching them at the top of the Premier League right now, and will hope to maintain that position.

Thomas Frank to stick with the same defence

Guglielmo Vicario only faced 0.64xG against City in the Tottenham goal, and he is expected to retain his place between the sticks after making four saves in the contest, per Fotmob.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Pedro Porro is predicted to keep his spot on the right-hand side of defence. The Spain international created the most chances against Pep Guardiola’s side with two and made four recoveries.

At the heart of the backline, new Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is expected to be partnered by Micky Van de Ven.

The Argentina star won four of his five ground duels at the Etihad Stadium, for an 80 per cent success rate, and the Netherlands ace was the most accurate passer to play over 45 minutes, with a 93 per cent completion rate.

Djed Spence might reprise his role at left-back. The 25-year-old made four clearances and four recoveries in the victory last time out.

At the base of midfield, Lucas Bergvall might be drafted in to allow Joao Palhinha to rest. The Bayern Munich loanee is a key player, and Frank needs to manage his minutes.

Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to retain his place next to the Sweden star after he won three of his five ground duels against Guardiola’s side, for a 60 per cent success rate.

Pape Sarr axed for Tottenham vs Bournemouth

Mohammed Kudus has started his Spurs career in electric form, and he completed the most dribbles in the clash with City, with three.

The Ghana ace is expected to keep his place in the side, with Brennan Johnson predicted to line up on the opposite flank, after opening the scoring against City.

Pape Sarr might be axed after an underwhelming performance against the Citizens. Frank needs his number 10 to lead the press, but the 22-year-old won just two of his 10 ground duels, for a success rate of 20 per cent

Wilson Odobert could replace the Senegal star in the starting line-up. The ex-Burnley man won one of two ground duels against Guardiola’s side for a 50 per cent success rate.

Richarlison continued his impressive start to the campaign, assisting Johnson’s goal, and he is expected to get the nod over Dominic Solanke again.

Andoni Iraola’s side were in the fight for the European places last season before a late collapse, so it would be a real statement if the Lilywhites can beat them.

Tottenham will be looking to make it three wins in a row to start their new Premier League campaign when they host Bournemouth.

Spurs welcome Bournemouth to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday in what likely a trip that the visitors are not eagerly anticipating.

Spurs have been outstanding so far under Thomas Frank, with Tottenham’s 2-0 win against Manchester City at the Etihad a real statement performance and result from The Lilywhites.

However, as we saw against Liverpool, Bournemouth are capable of being a threat to any side in the Premier League, and Frank and Co. will be aware of this as they aim to keep their 100 per cent start going.

Supercomputer predicts Tottenham to beat Bournemouth

With Xavi Simons potentially making the move to Spurs, Frank looks to be assembling a squad in North London more than capable of finishing in the Champions League spots at least.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Danish manager is also getting the best out of the players he already has at his disposal, with Richarlison starting the season in fine form for Spurs and being one of the standout players in the entire top-flight.

If Opta‘s supercomputer is correct, you would back the Brazilian to get himself on the scoresheet again with Spurs predicted to win Saturday’s encounter.

Tottenham historically do well against Bournemouth

The Lilywhites and Bournemouth have met on 16 occasions in the Premier League.

Spurs have won 10 of those meetings, drawing three, whilst also losing three.

It is hard to envisage anything other than Spurs extending their dominance over the Cherries, given their scintillating start to the season and the fact that they are playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

With Fabio Paratici’s return resolving Spurs’ frustrations in the transfer market, hopefully, the Spurs’ faithful could be set to have plenty of reasons to be optimistic with the new season still in its infancy.

Tottenham will have to pay a hefty sum to ensure Xavi Simons arrives in North London this summer.

Tottenham halted their interest in Simons earlier in the window to pursue alternative targets.

But with Morgan Gibbs-White extending at Nottingham Forest and Eberechi Eze snubbing Spurs for Arsenal, the Lilywhites are scrambling for an alternative.

Tottenham’s top choice is Morgan Rogers, but Aston Villa are determined to keep him. This leaves Spurs with little choice but to reignite their interest in the RB Leipzig star, but he could come at a heavy price.

Xavi Simons could cost Tottenham £100million

Daniel Levy is meticulous when it comes to his finances at Tottenham and is usually unwilling to compromise.

MORE SPURS STORIES

But the demands of the transfer window are changing. Players who would have cost £20million five years ago are now priced at £50m. With the numbers being thrown around as of late, it seems the chairman is willing to change with the times.

As reported by Matt Law via X on Wednesday, 27 August, Chelsea has been his preference. But with that move stalling, the doors could open for Tottenham to hijack Simons from Chelsea.

However, the deal would be expensive not only in a £60m fee but also in wages. Nevertheless, Leipzig are open to selling the midfielder.

According to Capology on 27 August, Simons earns a £5.8m base yearly salary at the moment. On a five-year contract, including his potential fee, the former PSG star could cost the Lilywhites £89m.

But if bonuses are added in the deal, which currently stands at £3.4m, he could cost Spurs over £100m over five years.

With this in mind, a £55m fee for Mohammed Kudus from West Ham seems like a bargain.

Where would Xavi Simons rank among Tottenham’s highest earners?

If a figure similar to his current wages at Leipzig is agreed, Simons could rank among Spurs’ top earners.

Cristian Romero currently sits in first place on £10.1m per year, while James Maddison is at £8.8m. New signing Joao Palhinha is on £7m per year, and Rodrigo Bentancur is on just £3.9m.

This would place Simons just above Maddison if bonuses are included. As a new, unproven recruit, this is a sum which could spark outrage among Tottenham fans.

But with less than a week until the window closes, his price may be a barrier too high to overcome.

Tottenham are desperately trying to add to their squad ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

The Lilywhites are keen to continue to strengthen their ranks despite a hugely impressive start to the Premier League season, which has included an away win over Manchester City.

Spurs have lost James Maddison to long-term injury, and his absence, combined with Son Heung-min’s departure, has left some holes to be filled in the final third.

Thomas Frank and Co. are keen to bring the winger to N17, but they will have to act quickly if they are to get a deal done before Monday’s transfer deadline.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham urged to pull away from Savinho deal amid £69m demands

Tottenham have shown a sustained interest in Savinho, but they will need to splash the cash in order to sign him, with Manchester City having now placed a price tag of around £69million on the youngster.

The Citizens are not keen on the idea of selling the winger, let alone to a Premier League rival.

As a result, the Lilywhites look likely to face yet more transfer disappointment, having also missed out on the likes of Eberechi Eze and Bryan Mbeumo already this summer.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Spurs given control to City with these failures, and should end their pursuit as a result.

“Is Savinho the best Spurs can get?” King said.

“I’d question that, I’m not sure he’s a Tottenham player.

“I think the fee is excessive, it’s a lot of money to spend.

“But, the selling club are in a strong position, because they’ve been watching Tottenham struggling to sign players for big money.

“I don’t think he’ll turn Spurs into a team that wins things at the top level, and for that kind of money, you’re looking for a really influential player to come into your team.”

Spurs need to step away from Savinho

Savinho would be a great addition for Spurs, as he is a player of Premier League quality, but they can’t afford their need to strengthen their attack to cloud their judgement in the final stages of the window.

A fee of £69m would certainly be excessive for a player of the 21-year-old’s inexperience, and the North Londoners need to be mindful of that when they navigate the next few days in the market.

Frank still have plenty of strong attacking options within his ranks, and Spurs must avoid overpaying and handing their rivals a financial boost in the process.

How much Kobbie Mainoo will demand in wages if Tottenham sign Manchester United star

Tottenham are eyeing midfielders ahead of the transfer deadline and could turn to Manchester United ace Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo wants to leave Manchester United due to limited first-team opportunities under Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese has fancied a midfield pivot of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, leaving the 20-year-old as an option on the bench.

With James Maddison set to miss most of the season for Tottenham due to an ACL injury and Yves Bissouma seemingly set for Galatasaray, Thomas Frank could do with another midfielder in the coming days.

Tottenham may need to pay Kobbie Mainoo around £150k/week

Mainoo came up the ranks at Manchester United, so unlike a lot of their other players, does not sit on extremely high wages.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Manchester outfit are known to overpay players in order to tempt them to sign, but with the 20-year-old, they did not need to do that.

It’s understood that he is earning only £20k/week at Old Trafford, which certainly does not reflect his talent and potential.

According to The Athletic on 27 August, Casemiro, a midfielder past his prime, is on £350k/week, which led to Mainoo expecting more as he was starting ahead of the Brazilian last season.

The England international was hoping for a hike on his current wages, potentially up to 10 times, taking it to £200k/week.

However, if he leaves for Spurs, they will be paying a transfer fee, so he will understandably have to settle for lower wages.

Given the North London outfit’s financial situation and Mainoo’s demands, an agreement on £150k/week in wages could most certainly be reached.

How Thomas Frank can get the best out of Kobbie Mainoo

Frank can unlock Mainoo’s potential by leveraging his tactical flexibility, player development expertise, and data-driven approach honed at Brentford.

The composed 20-year-old central midfielder, renowned for his dribbling, press resistance and intelligent positioning, has struggled under Manchester United’s rigid systems, often misplaced in deeper or advanced roles that stifle his creativity.

Frank’s adaptable setups, primarily a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with situational 3-5-2 shifts, would position Mainoo as a dynamic No. 8 in a double pivot, allowing him to receive between the lines, drive forward with explosive carries and exploit half-spaces.

Spurs’ emphasis on high pressing and quick transitions suits Mainoo’s tenacity in duels and recovery runs, while Frank’s marginal gains philosophy, which focuses on set-pieces and vertical passes, would enhance his ball progression and composure under pressure.

Tottenham are preparing a move that would finally see them complete a hijack of their own in the final days of the transfer window.

Spurs are holding talks over a bid to sign RB Leipzig man Xavi Simons, who has looked set to sign for Chelsea this summer.

Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze after Spurs had agreed a deal with Crystal Palace, with Daniel Levy left humiliated at his failure to complete the deal in the weeks before.

And that wasn’t to be the end of the chairman’s plight in the market, with a similar story taking place just days later.

Spurs launched a £52million bid for Piero Hincapie before Arsenal intervened again, with the defender now looking set to move to the red side of North London.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Ian Wright lauds ‘unbelievable’ Xavi Simons

Chelsea had looked set to sign Simons, but their focus on Alejandro Garnacho has left the door open for Spurs.

The midfielder would provide the perfect player for Thomas Frank, who needs a creative midfielder following injuries to Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Simons, 22, already boasts a hugely impressive resume, bagging huge numbers of goals and assists in his time at RB Leipzig and PSV.

Xavi Simons’ recent league returns:

The Netherlands international was missing for much of last season, but still managed to register 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga.

Speaking on his podcast, Wrighty’s House, last year, Arsenal legend Ian Wright waxed lyrical about Simons after his performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

“Can I say watching Xavi Simons against Real Madrid, Leipzig versus Real Madrid, was kind of like a coming out parade in respects of a performance from someone,” the former striker said.

“He was brilliant. He was brilliant to watch. Unbelievable.

“And, we are talking about someone who is on loan from PSG to Leipzig, and he is getting the chance to play against arguably one of the greatest teams in the world, Real Madrid, and playing like that.”

Xavi Simons demonstrated his ability vs Real Madrid

Wright is right to praise Simon’s performance against Real Madrid, as the 22-year-old was excellent.

Whilst RB Leipzig were knocked out on aggregate on the night, the Spanish giants were held to a 1-1 draw and, truthfully, deserved to lose both the game and the tie.

Simons constantly drove RB Leipzig forward, almost grabbing a goal of his own on what was a night in which he proved he can do it on the biggest stage.

Spurs need exactly that, and should keep the midfielder’s huge potential in mind when they prepare their opening bid.