Tottenham star Xavi Simons is hoping to make an instant impact at N17 under Thomas Frank
Tottenham shocked the footballing world late in the transfer window by signing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig on a long-term deal. The Dutchman’s arrival at N17 proved to be a statement of intent from the Lilywhites that the club was not messing around anymore following last season’s Europa League success. The 22-year-old also followed in the footsteps of Heung-Min Son by taking the No.7 for this season.
The talented attacker was linked with a move to Chelsea all summer, with the Blues agreeing personal terms with the player as well. But for one reason or another, the West London club failed to reach an agreement with RB Leipzig for Simons’ signature, giving Spurs the perfect opportunity to come in and swoop the deal.
Simons’ arrival at N17 was met with a lot of excitement as well. Reports suggested that the Tottenham players were keen to see the Dutchman walk through the doors at Hotspur Way and sign for the Lilywhites. This showcased how highly rated the 22-year-old is in the footballing world.
Xavi Simons’ agent reveals player’s real reason to join Tottenham
Xavi Simons instantly made it clear that he joined Tottenham as he would get to be the face of the project at N17 and play week in week out against top teams. Another reason why the Dutchman chose the North London club was to play under Thomas Frank, after the Danish tactician highlighted how he could gradually improve Simons’ game.
Now, the 22-year-old’s agent Ali Barat has revealed the actual reason why Simons joined Spurs. Speaking to Daily Mail, Barat said,
“There was genuine interest from both sides. Chelsea had certain constraints at that moment, which made it difficult for them to move forward, which we totally respected and they were really clear with us from the beginning about where they were at with it. So when discussions with Tottenham began, their connection and clarity stood out and it quickly became clear that their project was a great fit for Xavi’s development.”
The agent added,
“A talk that Xavi had with Thomas Frank was really key because he hit on a lot of good points. Xavi has heard ‘Oh, you’re amazing’ before, but Thomas really hit him on the points that he had to work on. It was total honesty. Xavi has got a monster mentality. He’s been a wonderkid since 14 years old. He’s not afraid of challenges. He really took those words from Thomas in a positive way.”
Ali Barat revealed that Chelsea were the frontrunners for Xavi Simons’s signature before pulling out of the deal at the eleventh-hour. The super-agent added that Tottenham then came into the fray and convinced the Dutchman that playing at N17 would be the best decision for his development. Barat also pointed out that Thomas Frank played a crucial role in convincing Simons, with the Dane telling the attacker where he needed to improve and how he would become a better player at N17.
The strategic move and honesty by Thomas Frank helped Spurs land one of the most exciting talents in Europe without any hassle. Now, fans will hope that Simons hits the ground running at Tottenham and leads the club to greater heights in the coming years.
