£69m “superstar” wants to seal deadline day move to Spurs, Simons will love him – opinion
Spurs finally land Xavi Simons – but their transfer business may not be finished yet
The capture of Xavi Simons represents the conclusion of almost a month-long pursuit by Tottenham Hotspur to find a suitable replacement for the injured James Maddison.
For Maddison, the 2025/26 season was supposed to be a defining campaign. Having missed out on England’s Euro 2024 squad, the midfielder was determined to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans ahead of the World Cup. Instead, his hopes have been dashed once again after suffering a devastating ACL injury that will see him miss the majority of the season.
Tottenham’s recruitment team had originally set their sights on Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White to fill the creative void. However, their plans were derailed. Eze opted to sign for North London rivals Arsenal, while Gibbs-White secured a lucrative new deal at Nottingham Forest under the watchful eye of Evangelos Marinakis.
That left Spurs turning to another rising star of European football – and they eventually got their man. Xavi Simons, highly regarded across the continent, has officially joined from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £51 million. At just 22 years of age, the Dutch international arrives at N17 with both immediate quality and long-term potential.
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Spurs weighing one more attacking signing
While Simons’ arrival has boosted spirits among fans, there is a growing sense that Tottenham may not be done in the market. The squad still looks short of attacking depth, particularly with ongoing injury problems in the forward line.
Dominic Solanke has picked up another setback, while Richarlison has struggled for consistency and fitness throughout his spell in the capital. Going into a demanding season without sufficient cover in the forward areas would be a huge gamble for head coach Thomas Frank.
In recent days, Spurs have been linked with a number of attacking players. Lucas Paquetá and Ademola Lookman have been mentioned, but the most realistic target appears to be Manchester City winger Savinho.
The Brazilian talent has been on Tottenham’s radar for weeks, with reports suggesting a potential £69m deal is still being negotiated. Manchester City remain reluctant sellers, but the 21-year-old is said to be pushing for the move, frustrated by his current situation at the Etihad.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Spurs retain a strong interest. He claims the North Londoners “love” Savinho and insists the deal is “not dead in the water,” largely because of the player’s determination to join.
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Simons and Savinho – a creative duo in the making?
Should Tottenham manage to add Savinho before the transfer window closes, it would give Frank an enviable combination in the final third. Simons is already a proven playmaker, registering 11 goals and eight assists across all competitions last season. His ability to thread passes between defensive lines is among the best in Europe.
Pairing him with a winger like Savinho – who thrives on carrying the ball and creating chances – could give Spurs a completely new dimension in attack. Despite only scoring three goals last season, the Brazilian was a constant provider, notching 13 assists in all competitions. Statistical analysis backs up his reputation: he ranks in the top 13% of wide players in Europe’s top leagues for assists per 90 minutes, in the top 3% for progressive carries, and the top 6% for successful take-ons.
These are elite numbers, drawing comparisons to players such as Bukayo Saka and Florian Wirtz. With Simons excelling in progressive passing and Savinho excelling in ball progression, their partnership could prove devastating for Premier League defences.
The prospect is mouthwatering. Tottenham would boast Brennan Johnson’s raw pace, Mohammed Kudus’ flair, and potentially Savinho’s dynamism, all feeding off Simons’ vision. Behind the central striker, Frank would have a wealth of creative options, ensuring Spurs are not overly reliant on any single player – something that has hampered them in recent years.
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A transformative window for Spurs?
If Spurs manage to land both Simons and Savinho, this window could be remembered as a turning point in the Thomas Frank era. Maddison’s injury was a cruel blow, but Tottenham appear to have responded in the best possible way – securing one of Europe’s brightest playmakers and chasing another who looks destined for superstardom.
With the World Cup on the horizon, the pressure will only increase on clubs and players alike. For Tottenham, adding this duo could give them the creativity, flair, and unpredictability needed to compete both domestically and in Europe.
For now, the ball is in Manchester City’s court. But if Spurs can strike a deal for Savinho in the final hours of the window, they might just have built one of the most exciting young attacking line-ups in world football.