Tottenham Hotspur were at the receiving end when Arsenal hijacked the deal for Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.
The Spurs were favourites to sign the England international. However, Arsenal acted quickly after an injury to Kai Havertz.
As a result, they had to look for a replacement. And Eze’s dream was to play for Arsenal. So, when the Gunners called, Eze forgot about the personal terms he had agreed on with Tottenham.
After Eze signed for Arsenal, Thomas Frank wanted a player of a similar profile who could operate from the centre of the park and from the wider positions.
The Spurs have already identified the player who could have been the perfect alternative for Eze. But they didn’t make a move as it was certain that the player would go to Chelsea.
However, Chelsea’s bid for the player never came. Meanwhile, Tottenham capitalised on the opportunity and got the deal done with the player and the club, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
Now, Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. In this way, the Spurs have successfully completed the hijack of the Chelsea target.
Xavi Simons agreed on personal terms with Chelsea and was waiting for a bid from Chelsea. But the Blues were busy completing other deals. Thus, Simons will now play for the Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur paid €60 million fixed price for the Dutch international to Leipzig. And Xavi Simons has signed his Spurs contract until 2030, plus an option to extend it for two more years.
Now, only time will tell whether Xavi Simons will be a successful signing for the Spurs or not.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Xavi Simons to Tottenham, here we go!
All SIGNED between Spurs and RB Leipzig for fee worth €60m fixed after agreement revealed overnight.
Xavi has completed his medical and his contract is also now signed. 🔐🇳🇱
Contract until 2030 + 2 year option. pic.twitter.com/t98SrgrAh2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2025
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