Aasai

Tottenham Hotspur signed Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig on Friday to bolster new manager Thomas Franks squad. Spurs have been chasing an attacking midfielder during the summer transfer window. 

They failed to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, and their bid to sign Eberechi Eze was thwarted when the England international left Crystal Palace for Tottenhams north London rivals Arsenal on a "long-term deal", subject to international clearance and a work permit. No fee was disclosed, but British media reports suggested he had joined Tottenham for an initial fee of £51.8 million ($69.9 million) with add-ons included. "Im absolutely delighted and can wait to get going," Simons told Spurs website. "Ive been dreaming about this for a long time. "Its a big club and when I met the manager (Frank) I knew straight away that this was the right place for me.

 "I will bring credit to the team, but also hard work and discipline. I want to do everything I can to win, for the team and for the fans." Denmark coach Frank added, "Xavi has proven his ability to score goals and provide assists, starting as a number 10 on the left wing. 

He also has a great eye for his team-mates in terms of goalkeeping, and I know he will come in and be part of a good team that is already working together." Spurs lost James Maddison in pre-season to a serious knee injury, which will rule out England international Dejan Kulusevski, who has played as a central midfielder, is also out with a knee problem.

 A product of Barcelonas La Masia academy, the training ground for Lionel Messi and other home stars, Simons moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 before impressing with 22 goals on loan at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season. Simons played for the next two seasons before making a permanent move to 72p Lei earlier this year. 

He is expected to be introduced to Spurs fans ahead of Saturdays league match at home to Bournemouth. He will wear the number seven shirt vacated by former Tottenham captain Son Heung-min.

Spurs fans may have to wait until after the international break to see Simons for the first time, with Franks side in action on Saturday when they host AFC Bournemouth before taking on West Ham United on Saturday, September 13. Simons will wear the name Xavi on his Spurs shirt. He has been given the number 7, the number vacated this season by club legend Son Heung-min.