Frank needs an attacking midfielderplaceholder image
Frank needs an attacking midfielder | Getty Images
Tottenham are said to be closing in on the hijack of a desired Chelsea hijack.
Tottenham are finally set to get their revenge for the Willian transfer by hijacking a transfer Chelsea have been lining up for weeks. Spurs need a new attacking midfielder following the loss of James Maddison to an injury that is likely to cost him much of the season.
Thomas Frank’s men have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, winning both of their games, which has included an away clash with Manchester City. But more depth is going to be required if they are to keep up that level of performance while also competing in the Champions League.
A lack of depth cost Spurs last season, with injuries leaving them bare to the bones, and while that level of injury issues is not particularly common, Tottenham still need to protect themselves against such an eventuality.
They are running out of time, though, with Monday’s transfer deadline closing in quickly, but work is going on behind the scenes to get deals done, and one could be a ruthless Chelsea transfer hijack. According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons for £51.8million.
Simons has been holding on for a Chelsea transfer for weeks. The versatile creative Dutchman has still been involved with Leipzig, but there were reports that he had turned down interest from Bayern to wait for a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have had to sell players before advancing on their remaining targets, which were understood to be Simons and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho. But Tottenham now look to get there first. Romano posted on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham agree €60m fee with RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons! Official bid accepted, green light after #THFC sent formal bid following player’s encouragement. Spurs want deal done today also on player side + medical in the next hours. Here we go, expected soon.”
The advantage Tottenham have is that Simons is effectively guaranteed to walk into a starting role given the void that exists in the absence of James Maddison, and the presence of Champions League football will help them get the deal over the line.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are not guaranteeing starting football by any means, with Cole Palmer remaining the preferred starter in the number 10 role, while there is also competition out wide. That may be the key factor here, paired with the fact Tottenham are willing to get the deal done now rather than asking Simons to continue waiting as the end of the window closes in.
It seems Tottenham will finally get their revenge for the Willian deal, which saw the Brazilian move to Stamford Bridge after negotiations with the Lilywhites all those years ago.
Continue Reading