Huge excitement has been building at Tottenham Hotspur over the last couple of days, and understandably so, given the news breaking out of North London.
Xavi Simons looks set to be the latest player to join Thomas Frank’s squad this summer, after a €60m (£52m) agreement was reached with RB Leipzig for the Dutchman’s signature.
The player himself has been in London over the last couple of days, even having his medical with his Lilywhites, with a deal expected to be completed before Monday’s deadline.
Such a move will see the club finally land the attacking midfielder that the hierarchy have been constantly hunting for over the last couple of months.
However, despite the big-money addition of the former PSG youngster, further additions appear to be in the pipeline, with Daniel Levy looking to hand the new boss the tools he needs for success.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions
Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss has been a name constantly mentioned with a move to Spurs this summer, after suffering relegation to the Championship at the end of last season.
A fresh report has stated that the Lilywhites could yet make a late move for the Moroccan international this summer, adding further depth to Frank’s attacking department.
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers another star they’re considering a move for, according to Football Insider.
Their report states that the Lilywhites have been in discussions with Unai Emery’s men, but a deal could be an expensive one, given their stance on the player not being for sale.
It also claims that Spurs are confident are taking advantage of the Villans’ PSR standing, potentially completing a deal which could cost as much as £80m before the transfer deadline.
Why Spurs’ £80m target is a bigger talent than Simons
The pending addition of Simons is a huge signal of intent from the Spurs hierarchy, landing a talent who has been hugely in demand throughout the current window.
Chelsea were one side said to be interested in the Dutchman’s signature in recent weeks, with talks for his services even being at an advanced stage – but Frank’s side appear to have hijacked the move.
The deal has seen the Lilywhites complete their own overtake for a transfer, after losing out on deals to sign Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze earlier in the window.
Such a deal will massively improve the options currently at the manager’s disposal, especially after the injuries suffered to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.
However, a late move for Rogers would undoubtedly trump a deal for Simons, having experience in England’s top-flight, whilst also starring in such a division in recent seasons.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from 2024/25, the Englishman managed to outperform the pending new addition in various key areas for attacking areas.
Rogers, who’s been labelled as “phenomenal” by Lee Hendrie, posted a higher tally of goals and assists, whilst also registering a better shot on target accuracy rate – offering Frank’s side an added threat in front of goal throughout 2025/26.
Games played
37
25
Goals & assists
18
16
Goals per shot on target
0.5
0.4
Key passes made
2.4
2.1
Take-ons completed
1.9
1.3
Take-on success
41%
33%
Carries into the opposition box
1.1
0.9
Progressive carries
3.7
3.5
He also completed more of the key passes he attempted per 90, an asset that would add a needed creative presence to the midfield department.
The Englishman’s dominance with the ball at his feet is further highlighted by his higher take-on success rate – subsequently able to drive past the opposition and put the final touches on any driving run into attacking areas.
Whilst £80m would be yet another expensive addition this summer, it’s one that could add further quality and versatility to the Lilywhites’ potent front line.
The prospect of Rogers linking up with Simons in North London is certainly one for the fanbase to get excited about, having the chance to play a huge role in their ability to build on last year’s Europa League success.