Spurs on verge of £52m Simons deal – how will he fit in?

RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons will be signed for 60 million euros (£511.8 million).

The Netherlands international has completed his medical before joining Thomas Frank’s side in England, according to sources close to the situation.

The 22-year-old’s overall package has been reached in theory between Spurs and Leipzig, with final decisions expected to be made in the coming 24 hours.

Frank said in a statement on Friday that he would not confirm a deal with Simons, but that he hoped the fans would receive good news later today for various reasons because the club is attempting to sign players and will continue to try until the transfer window is closed.

I can confirm that we are working very hard to get someone to cross the line, and I can confirm that.

Chelsea and Leipzig have been in discussions about moving for Simons, but they are now set to sign Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho for a fee of $40 million.

Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus will now join Spurs as summer arrivals.

Where will Frank play at Spurs? The talented Dutchman was linked with numerous other European clubs this summer.

In his first three years in charge, Frank is renowned for having a versatile tactical style, playing 5-3-2 in the Super Cup final against Paris St-Germain and 4–3-3 in the Premier League, which he used.

Simons would most likely play left of Frank’s front three so he can use his preferred right foot to cut inside.

Last season, the attacker spent 75% of his time on the left in the Bundesliga, where he was most frequently used. If necessary, he can also play right or center.

However, Simons frequently requested by RB Leipzig’s former manager Marco Rose to play either a 4-2-2-2 formation in a “box midfield” formation, which encouraged full-backs to move forward, which suggests he will need time to adjust to Frank’s methods.

Edu Rubio, former coach of Crystal Palace, said: “Simones’ range of passing is excellent and he also has a fantastic ability to carry the ball at pace, which makes him a great asset when his team is launching an attack.

He can also score goals for the team, but he might struggle at times while using his weakest foot. He has a strong commitment to his defensive responsibilities and can greatly assist the team with high pressing and counter-pressing.

Tottenham’s obvious disappointment at missing out on Gibbs-White and Eze will be somewhat tempered by Simons’ arrival, whose impressive results from last season provide plenty of encouragement.

Despite missing 15 games due to an ankle injury, he was directly responsible for 19 goals last season for Leipzig, totaling 11 goals and eight assists.

But it will be particularly interesting for Frank because of his ability to create chances and play passes into risky areas.

Simons, a graduate of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, signed for Paris St-Germain as a teenager in 2019 before rising to fame on a loan at PSV in 2022-23.

In 78 games for the German side, he would score 22 goals and add 24 assists over the course of his two seasons at Leipzig.

Following Benjamin Sesko’s £73.7 million move to Manchester United, he would be the second significant transfer from Leipzig to the Premier League this summer.

Simons has long been one of the most sought-after players in Europe, given the nickname Xavi, after the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder.

Simons quickly rose to fame as a top-notch student from the Catalan giants’ esteemed academy at the age of seven.

By the age of 14, Simons had a contract with Nike, a million Instagram followers, and had starred in an advertisement for Neymar and Ronaldinho.

However, Simons’ career abruptly sagged at the age of 16. He left PSG after failing to reach a deal with Barcelona, adage that “the Brazilian looked after him like a “little brother” was repeated by his idol Neymar.

He made his debut in February 2021 at age 17 but opportunities were limited, and Simons had only made 11 senior appearances overall by the following year.

He sought regular football.

He has already been linked with clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and other teams, but appears to have made a move to the Premier League. He can play either wing or behind the striker and can speak six languages.