When Xavi Simons could make Tottenham debut as work permit delay emerges
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Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media / Imago
Harri Burton
Fri 29 August 2025 18:02, UK
Thomas Frank has learned whether Xavi Simons will be available for selection as Tottenham prepare to face Bournemouth.
Spurs welcome the Cherries to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 30 August, fresh from their impressive 2-0 win over Man City, which saw James Trafford make an awful goal-costing error.
Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus, Brennan Johnson, and Pape Sarr were all key to victory, though one of them could make way for the new signing, incoming from RB Leipzig this summer.
With 22 goals and 22 assists in 78 total appearances for the Bundesliga giants, it is understandable why the Lilywhites wanted to beat Chelsea to the Dutchman’s signature on a £52million deal [BBC Sport].
He comes into the squad at the perfect time, with both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski stuck on the treatment table for the foreseeable future, but fans may have to wait to see him on the pitch.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Taking to X (29 August), The Sun’s Tom Barclay wrote: “Too late for Xavi Simons to be involved vs Bournemouth tomorrow, as he signed after the midday deadline and is still awaiting his work permit.
“But he will be introduced to his new fanbase ahead of kick-off,” with Spurs welcoming the Cherries to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
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Football Insider verdict
Supporters were stunned by Daniel Levy‘s decision to sack Ange Postecoglou over the summer, but after just two matches, those same fans are already seeing why Frank was appointed as his successor.
The former Brentford boss narrowly tasted defeat to PSG in the Super Cup final, and now his team sit atop the Premier League table – five goals scored, zero goals conceded.
Of course, it is still early days, but with Simons now introduced into the squad, the team is shaping up nicely, with plenty of reinforcement across the board for Champions League football.
Credit: Imago
Long-term injuries to Maddison and Kulusevski were massive blows to deal with over the summer, but they have quickly been forgotten about following the latest transfer announcement.
Simons, who already has 28 caps for the Netherlands national team, could totally transform Spurs’ attack for the 2025/26 campaign, especially in Europe, where he has thrived over the last few seasons.
Sadly, fans will likely have to wait until facing West Ham at the London Stadium before seeing him in action, but it is a small price to pay for such an interesting coup this summer.