Tottenham Hotspur have endured a difficult start despite making unprecedented investment during the summer transfer window.
Spurs spent more than £300 million while rebuilding Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes were the two biggest additions.
Jan Paul van Hecke and Andrew Robertson also strengthened the defence. Omar Marmoush and Mykhailo Mudryk arrived on loan later in the window.
However, Tottenham remain winless after their opening five Premier League matches. De Zerbi’s side are bottom after a difficult start that has increased pressure around the club.
One important player has been unavailable throughout those struggles. Xavi Simons has been accepted onto Harvard Business School’s Crossover Into Business Program.
Simons is currently recovering from the ACL injury he suffered against Wolves in April. The 23-year-old is not expected to return before February.
His extended rehabilitation has encouraged him to prepare for his future beyond football. Simons announced on LinkedIn:
“I’m going back to school.”
The Netherlands international explained that football remains his main focus. However, he also wants to continue developing away from the pitch. He added:
“I’m happy to share that I’ve been accepted onto the Crossover Into Business Program at Harvard Business School.”
The online programme allows professional athletes to study business alongside Harvard Business School MBA students.
Simons wants to improve his understanding of football’s business operations while learning from people working across different industries.
He spent considerable time in the United States during his rehabilitation. A visit to Harvard while staying in Boston also strengthened his interest.
Simons already knew Harvard professor Anita Elberse from his previous spells with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite his academic plans, the Tottenham midfielder has stressed that his recovery remains his immediate objective. Simons said:
“Getting back on the pitch is still my number one priority.”
His Harvard programme will therefore run alongside rehabilitation as he works towards returning to De Zerbi’s struggling Tottenham Hotspur side.
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