Tottenham Hotspur are making waves in the summer transfer window, determined to rebuild their squad after a turbulent 2024/25 Premier League season that saw them finish a disappointing 17th, despite clinching the Europa League title. Under the new management of Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou, Spurs are aggressively targeting attacking reinforcements, with reports confirming they have initiated talks with the representatives of Dutch sensation Xavi Simons, a midfielder who contributed 19 goals and assists last season. Alongside this, the club has held direct discussions with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, signaling an ambitious push to bolster their midfield and restore their status as Premier League contenders. With Champions League football secured for 2025/26, Tottenham are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a transformative campaign.
Xavi Simons, the 22-year-old PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands star, has emerged as a prime target for Spurs. His dynamic playmaking, evidenced by nine goals and ten assists in the 2024/25 season, has caught the attention of not only Tottenham but also rivals Chelsea and Arsenal. “Simons’ agent wants to secure him a big move,” an insider noted, highlighting the ongoing negotiations with the North London club. Valued at approximately €60 million (£52m), Simons offers versatility as a central attacking midfielder or winger, making him an ideal fit for Frank’s high-energy system. His flair and vision could complement Spurs’ recent signings, including Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Kota Takai, Luka Vuskovic, and Mohammed Kudus, as the club aims to address the inconsistencies that plagued their domestic campaign. However, competition is fierce, with Simons’ representatives reportedly engaging with multiple clubs, and Tottenham’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, complicated by a Premier League complaint from Forest, underscores their determination to land a game-changing midfielder.
Simultaneously, Tottenham’s interest in Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old Manchester City star, has reignited long-standing rumors. Grealish, who joined City for a record-breaking £100 million in 2021, has struggled to secure a consistent role under Pep Guardiola, starting just seven Premier League games in the 2024/25 season. “It’s nothing personal with Jack,” Guardiola said after omitting Grealish from City’s squad for their final match against Fulham. “I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season. I’m the one who said I want Jack Grealish.” Despite Guardiola’s admiration for Grealish’s “fighting spirit” and popularity within the squad, the midfielder’s reduced minutes—coupled with his exclusion from City’s Club World Cup squad—have fueled speculation about his departure. Tottenham, alongside Newcastle, Everton, and Aston Villa, Grealish’s boyhood club, are in the race, with Spurs favored by bookmakers due to their Champions League qualification. “Of course, Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days,” Guardiola added, suggesting a move could be the fresh start Grealish needs.
The financial hurdles for both transfers are significant. Simons’ €60 million price tag is within Tottenham’s reach, but Grealish’s £300,000 weekly wage poses a challenge, especially given Spurs’ £330 million in unpaid transfer fees. A loan deal, with City potentially subsidizing wages, or a permanent transfer at a reduced £40-50 million fee are being explored, though Grealish may need to accept a pay cut. “Grealish would be a marquee arrival,” a Tottenham insider remarked, noting his versatility to play as a No. 10 or left winger, though his preferred central role could create a dilemma with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already vying for that position. Grealish’s 17 goals and 23 assists in 157 appearances for City reflect a dip in form from his Aston Villa days, where he notched 32 goals and 41 assists in 213 games, but his “incredible talent” and ability to “unlock doors,” as described by former Spurs scout David Webb, make him an enticing prospect.
Fan reactions on social media are mixed. “Grealish to Spurs? Yes, please! His creativity could be massive for us,” one supporter posted, while another argued, “No thanks, we don’t need another 30-year-old has-been. Spurs should focus on younger, hungrier players like Simons.” The pursuit of both players highlights Tottenham’s ambition under Frank, who is tasked with turning around a squad that ended a 17-year trophy drought with the Europa League but faltered domestically. As the transfer window heats up, with Simons also linked to Chelsea and Arsenal, and Grealish attracting interest from Napoli and Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham’s bold moves signal a determination to reclaim their place among the Premier League’s elite. Whether they can secure these high-profile targets remains to be seen, but the North London club is poised for a thrilling transfer saga.
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