'Infuriating' - Chelsea fans divided after Xavi Simons to Tottenham breakthrough
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Credit: Imago
Chris Smith
Fri 29 August 2025 10:16, UK
Xavi Simons is closing in on a move to Tottenham Hotspur, and it’s safe to say the news has divided the Chelsea fanbase.
The Netherlands international has been linked with the Blues all summer, following a 2024/25 campaign in which he registered 11 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions for RB Leipzig.
However, Chelsea’s relentless pursuit of Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho has pushed the Simons deal to the side.
Simons’ move to Tottenham has now been given Fabrizio Romano’s customary ‘here we go’ seal of approval, with the Dutchman completing a medical and signing a contract lasting at least five years.
Tottenham’s capture of Simons is certainly a major statement as they return to the Champions League, and Lilywhites supporters will no doubt be buzzing at the news.
But what about the Chelsea fans, who for so long expected the 22-year-old to be wearing a blue shirt by the end of the summer?
RB Leipzig statsXavi SimonsAppearances78Goals22Assists24Xavi Simons’ career stats for RB Leipzig
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Well, opinion is divided.
Some have accused the Chelsea decision-makers of conning fans by using the Simons pursuit to make Garnacho look like a more appealing prospect.
Others believe Simons was never good enough for Stamford Bridge in the first place.
Either way, there’s plenty of disagreement from a fanbase desperate to see a few more additions to their squad before Monday’s closure of the transfer window.
Football Insider verdict
From coming so close to beating PSG to lift the Uefa Super Cup to beating Burnley and Man City without conceding a goal, the early signs have been very exciting for Spurs under new boss Thomas Frank.
However, the capture of Simons has the potential to take things to a whole new level for the Lilywhites.
Per FBref, Simons was in the top 15% of Bundesliga attacking players last season when it came to non-penalty goals, expected assisted goals, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and final third carries per 90 minutes — among a host of other key metrics.
And that’s just a snapshot of what the playmaker is capable of, with many English fans perhaps more familiar with his goal and three assists to help the Netherlands reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
It’s rare to see Spurs beating a major rival to a signing of this magnitude, and coupling Simons with the promising start to life at White Hart Lane made by Mohammed Kudus has mouth-watering potential for Frank and his new fanbase.