Spurs new signing is rapidly becoming one of their worst signings in recent history surprisingly with Simons
In recent years, Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer dealings have been a constant source of debate among supporters, with many of the club’s big-money signings failing to justify the hefty fees spent on them. Despite a noticeable shift in ambition from the hierarchy—who have been more willing to invest heavily in recent windows—the results on the pitch haven’t always matched the financial outlay.
One of the most glaring examples of this came in 2019 when Tanguy Ndombele arrived from Lyon for a club-record £63 million. The French midfielder was expected to transform Tottenham’s midfield, yet his time in North London proved to be a massive disappointment. He never truly adapted to the intensity of the Premier League, and after five turbulent years and over 90 appearances, he was released in 2024—an expensive lesson in recruitment gone wrong.
Now, under Thomas Frank’s management, Tottenham might be witnessing a similar scenario unfold, as another expensive signing struggles to find his footing in the English top flight.
Xavi Simons’ Troubled Start to Life at Tottenham
When Frank took over in the summer, one of his first priorities was to strengthen the attacking midfield area. Tottenham had been linked with a host of creative playmakers, including Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, as the new boss sought to inject more creativity and dynamism into the final third.
However, neither target materialised. Gibbs-White stayed loyal to Nottingham Forest, while Eze broke Tottenham hearts by joining their bitter rivals Arsenal in what was described as a “dream move” for the England international. Left searching for alternatives, Spurs eventually turned to Xavi Simons, completing a £52 million deal with RB Leipzig.
The 22-year-old Dutchman arrived with enormous promise and a glowing reputation from the Bundesliga. Tottenham fans hoped his flair and vision would help them climb the Premier League table and fill the creative void that had long plagued the squad. But two months into his tenure, the reality has been underwhelming.
Simons has managed just one goal contribution in his first 12 appearances, struggling to adapt to the pace and physicality of English football. His lack of influence has not gone unnoticed—Frank benched him for the derby against Chelsea, only to bring him on early after Lucas Bergvall was forced off with a head injury. Yet, even as a substitute, Simons’ struggles continued; his display was so disappointing that he was himself substituted in the 73rd minute—a humbling moment that summed up his difficult start.
The young playmaker still has time to adjust, but patience is wearing thin among supporters who expected an instant impact from a player signed for such a hefty fee.
Randal Kolo Muani – Another Costly Struggle
Tottenham’s summer rebuild didn’t stop with Simons. The club also secured the loan signing of Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, paying around £5 million for a season-long deal. On paper, it looked a smart move—the French striker had scored 10 goals in just 22 matches for Juventus the previous season, and many expected him to bring a clinical edge to Spurs’ attack.
Unfortunately, his early performances have been far from convincing. Like Simons, Kolo Muani has struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity, often appearing isolated and ineffective in the final third.
His showing against Chelsea last weekend highlighted his ongoing issues. Starting the game for only the second time under Frank, the 26-year-old failed to make any real impact. In 73 minutes of football, he registered just 16 touches, completed five passes, and didn’t muster a single shot on goal. He lost possession seven times—meaning he gave the ball away in nearly half of his touches—and failed to complete a dribble or win more than half of his aerial duels.
For a player of his calibre, those numbers were damning. It’s no surprise that frustration is growing among fans who expected more from a forward brought in to solve their attacking woes.
A Familiar Pattern of Costly Misfires
Tottenham’s struggles in the early months of the season have only amplified the scrutiny on their recent signings. After three home defeats in just five league games, cracks are beginning to show under Thomas Frank’s leadership. The atmosphere around the club is tense—players like Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven were seen ignoring the manager and leaving the pitch without applauding the fans after the Chelsea loss, a clear sign of frustration within the squad.
For all the optimism that followed last season’s European success, Spurs have found themselves back in a familiar position—questioning the wisdom of their transfer decisions. The arrivals of Simons and Kolo Muani were meant to usher in a new attacking era, but instead, both players have epitomized Tottenham’s recurring problem: spending big without getting the desired results.
Both signings still have time to prove their worth, but the early signs are worrying. If they continue on their current trajectory, they risk being remembered not as part of Tottenham’s revival, but as yet another chapter in the club’s long history of expensive disappointments in the transfer market.
For Frank and the Spurs hierarchy, the pressure is mounting. They must find a way to turn their costly investments into consistent performers—or risk watching another ambitious project unravel before it ever truly begins.