As the clock ticks relentlessly towards the transfer deadline, Tottenham Hotspur finds itself in a familiar, yet increasingly desperate, position. The summer-long quest for a creative fulcrum, a true “number ten,” has been fraught with near-misses and unfortunate setbacks. Now, a tantalizing prospect has emerged from the Bundesliga, a player who could finally fill the void and perhaps, even echo the legendary impact of a former Spurs favourite.
The Frustrating Search for a Creative Spark
The hierarchy at Tottenham, under the guidance of new manager Thomas Frank, has endured a summer transfer window that can only be described as a test of patience. Early targets like Morgan Gibbs-White committed their futures elsewhere, while the stinging blow of Eberechi Eze`s £67.5m move to bitter rivals Arsenal served as a stark reminder of missed opportunities. Adding to the club`s woes, key creative assets James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are sidelined with injuries expected to keep them out until at least 2026. This constellation of misfortunes has left Frank`s tactical plans in dire need of a fresh, dynamic orchestrator, transforming the transfer market into a high-stakes scavenger hunt.
A Costly Detour: The Nico Paz Endeavor
In their increasingly urgent search, Spurs reportedly tabled a substantial €70m (£61m) offer for Como`s 20-year-old talent, Nico Paz. Such a significant bid underscored the club`s determination, hinting at a willingness to invest heavily to solve their creative conundrum. Yet, the offer was met with a firm rejection, Como declaring their young Argentine maestro unequivocally “not for sale.” With precious days dwindling and options seemingly narrowing, the pressure on the recruitment team to identify and secure an alternative intensified dramatically.
Xavi Simons: The New Hope from Leipzig
According to reliable reports from Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham has now made a definitive, concrete move for RB Leipzig`s highly-rated Dutch sensation, Xavi Simons. A reported offer of £61m, including add-ons, has been submitted, signaling Spurs` audacious intent to potentially hijack a move from fellow Premier League contenders Chelsea. Plettenberg suggests that an agreement is merely “a matter of time,” a phrase often used in transfer sagas, leaving the final decision squarely in the hands of the player himself regarding his destination for the 2025/26 season and beyond. The ball, as they say, is now in Simons` court.
The Echo of Greatness: Simons as Frank`s `New Eriksen`
The comparison is inevitable, and perhaps, profoundly accurate. Many Spurs fans will fondly recall the arrival of Christian Eriksen in 2013 for a modest £11m from Ajax. Initially an unknown quantity to some, the Dane blossomed into one of the Premier League`s most dangerous playmakers, accumulating 69 goals and 82 assists over seven years and playing a pivotal role in the club`s memorable run to the 2019 Champions League final. Eriksen`s versatility, operating as a number ten or off the left, made him indispensable. In Xavi Simons, Thomas Frank may well have found his modern-day equivalent—a creative conduit with the potential to ignite North London.
Hailed as “world-class” by former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart, Simons shares several key traits with Eriksen. Both possess formative experience from the Eredivisie, but it is their dynamic playstyles that truly draw parallels. Simons` statistics from the 2024/25 Bundesliga season paint a vivid picture of a player ready to make a significant impact on the grand stage:
| Xavi Simons` Bundesliga Stats (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
| Statistic (per 90) | Tally |
| Games played | 25 |
| Goals & assists | 17 |
| Pass accuracy | 83% |
| Chances created | 2.2 |
| Successful dribbles | 1.4 |
| Tackles won | 75% |
| Duels won | 5.7 |
| Stats via FotMob (as of report) | |
Simons` impressive tally of 17 goals and assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances unequivocally highlights his dual threat as both a scorer and a creator. Furthermore, his average of 2.2 chances created per 90 minutes demonstrates an innate ability to unlock defenses, while 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 indicate his prowess in beating opponents and driving the ball forward. These offensive attributes would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to attackers like Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison, offering them a consistent supply line.
Beyond his attacking flair, Simons also exhibits a robust work rate, a quality absolutely essential for Frank`s demanding pressing system. Winning 75% of his tackles and an average of 5.7 duels per 90 minutes showcases a defensive contribution that belies his primary role as an attacking midfielder. This rare combination of creative genius and defensive diligence makes him an ideal candidate to thrive in the Premier League and truly emulate Eriksen`s all-encompassing, tireless influence.
The Final Countdown: A Pivotal Decision Awaits
As Monday`s transfer deadline rapidly approaches, the fate of Xavi Simons remains tantalizingly poised. While Tottenham has seemingly made a decisive, and quite substantial, move, the ultimate decision rests squarely with the Dutchman. If Thomas Frank can indeed secure this “world-class” talent, it would mark a phenomenal piece of business, bringing an end to a frustrating summer hunt and finally equipping the Dane with the potent attacking threat he has been yearning for since taking the reins. The anticipation in North London is palpable, a mixture of anxiety and hope, as Spurs supporters hope to witness the dawn of a new era, potentially spearheaded by their next great number ten.
