Xavi Simons has revealed how a key conversation with Timo Werner proved decisive in his decision to join Tottenham Hotspur, despite interest from Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a creative midfielder this summer saw them circle several targets, with failed moves for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze forcing the club to look elsewhere, but in the final weeks of the window, the search finally ended with the capture of Xavi Simons.
Tottenham’s technical director, Johan Lange, even went as far as to call the move a blessing in disguise, with Tottenham convinced they have secured a player capable of becoming central to Thomas Frank’s project.
Spurs Supporters were introduced to their new number seven before the Premier League clash with Bournemouth, with Simons receiving a warm reception from the stands as he prepares for life in N17.
Xavi Simons explains why he chose Tottenham over Chelsea
Chelsea had shown a strong interest in Simons, but Tottenham moved decisively to avoid missing out on another target, especially after the setbacks earlier in the summer.
Speaking about the role of Timo Werner in his decision, Xavi Simons admitted that a personal conversation with the German was crucial.
Werner had spent 18 months on loan in north London, and his words of encouragement convinced Simons that Tottenham was the right environment.
“He told me a lot about the club’s greatness and the fantastic fans,” Simons explained in comments reported by Leipziger Volkszeitung. “And he said he thought it was the right place for me to learn and improve. Thanks for your trust, Timo!”
Xavi Simons delighted as he reaches his childhood dream
Tottenham were not the only club chasing Simons, as Bayern Munich also tried to tempt him back to Germany, but the midfielder was determined to make his dream of playing in the Premier League a reality.
Xavi Simons’ move was confirmed with a long-term deal at Tottenham, and Simons has been quick to underline his excitement. “I’m happy to be a Tottenham player,” he told German newspaper Leipziger Volkszeitung.
“Since I was a child, it’s been my dream to play in the Premier League. The club’s vision, the magnificent stadium, the fans, the quality of the team, the coach – it’s a fantastic environment. I want to settle in quickly in my new home and show why Tottenham signed me.”
At one point, Bayern were confident of their chances due to their director of sport Max Eberl, who had previously signed Simons for RB Leipzig in 2023. However, despite those links, the Dutchman made clear that Tottenham offered him the best path for development.
“In football, there are always discussions,” Simons said when asked about Bayern’s interest. “But I do not want to name names. Max was one of those who brought me to RB Leipzig, and I will always be grateful to him for that.
“The most important thing was to find a place where I could develop and express my playing style. That is the way it is at Spurs. My first impressions of the club are great; I felt the energy and ambition when I was introduced to the fans.
“Expectations are high, both for the team and for me. I am looking forward to duels against the best players in the world.”