Tottenham agree to rare clause to finalise Xavi Simons transfer amid Chelsea threat

 

Tottenham Hotspur have pulled off one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer by securing the signature of Dutch star Xavi Simons – but they had to make an unusual concession to ensure the deal crossed the line.

The North London club moved decisively after days of uncertainty, with the looming threat of Chelsea hijacking the move forcing Spurs into action. Reports suggest that until Thursday night, Stamford Bridge was still considered a very real option for Simons. That prospect seemingly accelerated Tottenham’s efforts, and by the early hours of Friday morning, an agreement with RB Leipzig had been struck.

The Lilywhites were determined to avoid a repeat of the embarrassing Eberechi Eze saga, where rivals Arsenal swooped in late. Learning from that painful experience, Tottenham ensured they were not outmanoeuvred this time. As part of the agreement with Leipzig, Spurs included a sell-on clause – something they have very rarely done in the past.

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the deal is now fully sealed. The 22-year-old Netherlands international will join Tottenham on a seven-year contract, with the club paying Leipzig a guaranteed €60 million (£52m). Crucially, the Bundesliga outfit will also benefit from a significant sell-on clause if Simons moves again in the future.

While sell-on clauses are a common part of transfer negotiations across Europe, Tottenham’s transfer chiefs have typically resisted such terms. Their willingness to bend on this occasion underlines just how determined they were to bring Simons to North London, particularly in the face of stiff competition from Chelsea.

Spurs’ patience in the market pays off

The deal also vindicates Tottenham’s transfer strategy this summer. Many fans had voiced frustration – and in some cases anger – at what they perceived to be delays and a lack of urgency in signing a creative playmaker. Social media criticism of chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs hierarchy had been fierce in recent weeks.

However, by biding their time and carefully weighing their options, Spurs have landed one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders rather than rushing into a deal for a lesser alternative. In fact, sources indicate that as recently as last week, Simons himself told Tottenham he was waiting to see if Chelsea would come in for him. In the end, Tottenham’s persistence and careful negotiations were rewarded.

For Ange Postecoglou’s side, the signing represents a major coup. Simons, who impressed in both the Eredivisie with PSV and in the Bundesliga with Leipzig, brings technical brilliance, versatility, and creativity in the attacking third. His arrival immediately elevates Spurs’ midfield options and adds to the sense of momentum around the club.

Tottenham fans, once restless, now have reason to celebrate. Not only have the club secured one of Europe’s brightest prospects, but they have also demonstrated a newfound ruthlessness in the market – even if it meant breaking with tradition to include a sell-on clause.