In a dramatic twist to this summer’s transfer saga, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly moving to hijack rival Chelsea’s long-anticipated deal for RB Leipzig’s burgeoning Dutch star, Xavi Simons.
According to German football insider Florian Plettenberg, Simons has been excused from Leipzig’s team duties and has departed the training ground amid active contract negotiations. Though a verbal agreement between Simons and Chelsea remains in place—Chelsea still figures prominently in the race—Tottenham have now dramatically inserted themselves into the competition. Leipzig remain open to official offers, suggesting the deal is far from sealed.
While Simons appeared poised to join Stamford Bridge, the situation has become increasingly uncertain. Chelsea’s financial maneuvering—waiting for sales like Christopher Nkunku’s departure to AC Milan—has delayed final agreements on the Simons transfer, giving Spurs a critical foothold in the closing days of the window.
Reports indicate Tottenham are preparing a fresh offer in the region of £60 million—possibly even higher—including higher wages and creative transfer structuring. RB Leipzig, having paid a substantial fee earlier this year, are demanding a price closer to that figure and may welcome a bidding war.
A sense of urgency underscores Spurs’ actions. After unsuccessful attempts to secure their top targets—Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze—they find themselves scrambling to fill the attacking midfielder role, especially amid injury concerns like the season-ending blow to James Maddison.
The Guardian notes that Tottenham are actively considering a £60 million bid and are also exploring other options, including Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, though Simons appears to be their primary late-window objective.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are reported to still be pursuing the deal—though delayed. Fabrizio Romano, a reliable voice in transfer journalism, states that Spurs are unlikely to advance while Chelsea remain involved, noting that Nkunku’s move is the critical cog that must turn to advance the Simons deal.
Fans, too, are divided. On Tottenham fan forums like r/coys, the sentiment ranges from weary skepticism—drawing parallels to past failed bids—to cautious optimism that Spurs might snatch Simons from under their London rivals’ noses:
> “This screams like the Eze deal all over again.”
“Chelsea just sold Nkunku, Xavi is going to Chelsea… we might try but there’s no way he comes here.”
This saga epitomizes the wild volatility of late-summer transfer windows. Chelsea believed they had charted a clear path toward securing Simons, bolstered by a verbal agreement and the player’s preference. Yet, the delayed club-to-club agreement, triggered by internal sales and financial constraints, has allowed Tottenham to interject at the very last minute.
If the reported £60 million bid from Spurs materializes, we could witness a high-stakes bidding battle unfold over the final days of the window. With Leeds waiting for official offers and Simons on location in London, this drama could reach its climax in mere hours. Chelsea may still close the deal, or Tottenham may stage a late-window coup that reshapes both clu
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