Every Football Manager player has players they love to sign in the game. Some are big-name players, while others are lesser-known players.
For me, one player who has been one of my favourites in recent editions of FM is Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons. He is expensive on FM24, but I have still managed to nab him in some of my longer-term saves.
I have very rarely regretted splashing the cash on the diminutive attacking midfielder, who is a player that gets you off your seat. He was the sort of player who would play a significant role in inspiring my team to great heights.
Xavi Simons is heading to the Premier League
Some may ask why are you talking about Xavi Simons? Well, the Netherlands playmaker has, according to Fabrizio Romano, signed for Tottenham in a deal worth around €60m.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Xavi Simons to Tottenham, here we go!
All SIGNED between Spurs and RB Leipzig for fee worth €60m fixed after agreement revealed overnight.
Xavi has completed his medical and his contract is also now signed. 🔐🇳🇱
Contract until 2030 + 2 year option. pic.twitter.com/t98SrgrAh2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2025
The move from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig has occurred quickly, with the transfer window closing next week for most of the major European leagues.
It is exciting signing for Tottenham, who earlier in the window missed out on the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with the attacking midfielder moving to Spurs’ neighbours Arsenal instead.
Losing out on Eze was a blow, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise, especially if Simons is the alternative.
The Netherlands international has been highly effective at creating and scoring goals in recent seasons. In the 2024/25 season, he scored 10 goals and produced seven assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances.
It was a decent return for a youngster playing in a Die Roten Bullen team that finished seventh-place in the German top-flight, missing out on European football for the first season since they were promoted to the Bundesliga. He was one of the few positives for Leipzig.
What will Simons bring to Tottenham?
Most people will have seen what the 22-year-old can do on a football pitch for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga or even in the Champions League. He is an exciting player who brings flair, technique and versatility to any team he plays in.
On the ball, he is clever, has a great touch and is an expert dribbler. At his age, he will only continue to improve. The transfer fee may seem a lot at the moment, but he could prove to be a bargain if he helps Tottenham become successful or build on their Europa League success of last season.
Spurs have numerous players capable of playing as attacking midfielders and wingers in their squad, including Mohamed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Wilson Odebert, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski.
However, the latter pair have knee injuries, with Kulusevski expected to be out until towards the end of the year, while Maddison could miss the entire 2025/26 season.
Simons seems like a perfect replacement for Maddison. I would argue that Simons is an upgrade on the former Leicester star, at least in the long term, as the Dutch star is six years younger than the 28-year-old Maddison.
Then there is the fear that Maddison won’t be the same player when he comes back from his injury, which is not uncommon for players to struggle to get going after a long time on the sidelines.
However, once he returns to fitness, both players possess sufficient football intelligence to play together, especially since both are highly versatile. A team with the pair playing together is an exciting prospect for fans of the North London club, especially with other attacking players like Kudus around them.
My FM loss is Tottenham’s gain
It seems to be promising times for Tottenham, as head coach Thomas Frank appears to be guiding the north London club in the right direction. Simons could be a crucial part of a perfect jigsaw for Spurs.
Unfortunately, the Netherlands international signing for Tottenham may make it harder to sign the attacking midfielder in FM26. His transfer fee was high enough in FM, but a transfer to the Premier League is likely to increase his fee further. It may be a case of my FM loss is Spurs’ gain in Football Manager.
Do you sign Xavi Simons on Football Manager?
