Xavi Simons has become the center of a transfer battle between Chelsea and Tottenham. The Dutch midfielder, currently at Leipzig, has traveled to London to resolve his future as both clubs push to sign him before the transfer window closes.
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Xavi Simons does not intend to continue at Leipzig and has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in recent weeks, but the Blues are no longer the only London club pushing for his signature. Tottenham have now entered the race for the highly rated attacking midfielder, setting up a late transfer window battle between two of the Premier League’s fiercest rivals.
According to reports from Sky Sports Germany, the 22-year-old Dutch international was excused from Leipzig’s Wednesday training session in order to travel to London. The club granted him permission to make the trip, which is being viewed as a crucial step toward clarifying his next destination. Simons is said to be holding discussions about his future while in England, as both Chelsea and Tottenham accelerate negotiations with Leipzig in hopes of reaching an agreement before the market closes.
Chelsea appeared to be leading the race earlier in the summer, having already agreed personal terms with the player back in July. At that time, a deal seemed imminent, but negotiations with Leipzig stalled and the move was never finalized. Tottenham, sensing an opportunity, have now opened talks with the Bundesliga club in recent hours, keen to reinforce their squad with a creative midfielder after failing to secure Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest and Eberechi Eze, who instead completed a high-profile move from Crystal Palace to Arsenal.
For both Chelsea and Spurs, Simons represents more than just a talented addition to their squads; he is a statement signing. Chelsea are still in the process of rebuilding under their current project, with a focus on signing younger players who can develop into long-term cornerstones of the team. Simons fits this profile perfectly, combining technical quality with versatility, as he can operate both centrally and on the flanks. Tottenham, meanwhile, are eager to provide manager Ange Postecoglou with more creativity and dynamism in midfield, particularly after some inconsistent performances in the final third.
Simons’ career path has been closely followed since his teenage years. He was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before moving to Paris Saint-Germain, where expectations were sky-high. However, a lack of regular playing time in Paris prompted him to seek opportunities elsewhere, leading to a breakout campaign at PSV Eindhoven in 2022-23. There, he showcased his ability to influence games decisively, scoring 22 goals in all competitions and quickly becoming a fan favorite in the Eredivisie. His performances were enough to convince Leipzig to sign him in 2023, though the German club’s project has not proved attractive enough for him to commit his long-term future.
At Leipzig, Simons still produced strong numbers last season, recording 11 goals and 8 assists in 33 appearances. Yet despite those contributions, the player is understood to feel that the Bundesliga may not be the ideal stage for the next step in his development. The allure of the Premier League, combined with the possibility of working under managers who favor attacking football, has reportedly convinced him that a move to England is the right decision.
Financially, both Chelsea and Tottenham face challenges in structuring a deal. Leipzig are under no pressure to sell quickly, as Simons remains under contract, and they are expected to demand a significant fee given his age, talent, and recent form. Chelsea’s heavy spending in recent transfer windows has already drawn scrutiny under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, while Tottenham are typically more cautious in their transfer outlays. Negotiations, therefore, could become complicated, with both clubs needing to balance ambition with financial realities.
The final days of the transfer window now promise to be tense and dramatic. If Chelsea can reignite the momentum they had in July, they may still be considered slight favorites to land Simons. However, Tottenham’s sudden intervention has made the outcome far less predictable, especially as the player himself weighs his options while in London.
For Simons, this decision could define the trajectory of his career. A move to Chelsea would place him in a squad still searching for stability but full of promising young talent, while Tottenham would offer him the chance to be a central figure in a team looking to challenge for Champions League qualification under an attack-minded coach. Either way, the Premier League looks set to gain another exciting young star, and the battle for his signature will likely go down to the wire.
Updated: 02:41, 28 Aug 2025
