Spurs open talks to sign “one of the best youngsters in Europe”, he’s better than Eze

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign under new manager Thomas Frank, the club’s hierarchy faces critical decisions in the transfer market.

While last season’s 64-goal tally ranked among the league’s most potent attacks, the North London outfit recognizes the need for strategic reinforcements to elevate their performance.

Recent reports reveal an intriguing dilemma: should Spurs pursue Crystal Palace’s FA Cup hero Eberechi Eze or redirect their focus toward RB Leipzig’s electrifying Dutch international Xavi Simons?

Despite boasting one of the division’s more productive offenses last term, Tottenham’s seventh-place finish exposed vulnerabilities in squad depth and creative consistency.

Thomas Frank, appointed following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal, inherits a team requiring both immediate impact players and long-term solutions.

The club has already initiated moves for OGC Nice’s Evann Guessand and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa—the latter familiar with Frank’s system from their time together at the Gtech Community Stadium. However, it’s the potential acquisition of Xavi Simons that could redefine Tottenham’s attacking identity.

At just 22, Simons has blossomed into one of Europe’s most dynamic forwards during his Bundesliga campaign with RB Leipzig.

His 10 goals and 7 assists in league play only partially illustrate his influence—advanced metrics reveal a player whose technical proficiency and progressive play would seamlessly align with Frank’s philosophy.

When comparing Simons to Eberechi Eze, the data presents a compelling argument:

This statistical profile underscores Simons’ superior ability to drive play forward, create chances, and maintain possession under pressure—qualities Tottenham lacked during pivotal moments last season.

His 46% shot accuracy dwarfs Eze’s 27%, suggesting more efficient decision-making in advanced areas. Moreover, Simons nearly doubles Eze’s output in progressive passes and final third entries, indicating he would better serve as the creative hub Frank requires.

Eze’s FA Cup final heroics for Crystal Palace cemented his reputation as a clutch performer, and his £68 million release clause reflects his value to Oliver Glasner’s side.

While the 26-year-old possesses undeniable flair and Premier League pedigree, his production remains inconsistent—a concern for a Spurs side needing reliable contributors.

Additionally, Eze’s injury history (missing 12 league games last term) presents another risk factor Tottenham can ill afford.

Financially, Simons represents a more prudent investment. Younger than Eze by four years, his potential resale value and development ceiling offer long-term upside.

Leipzig’s willingness to negotiate—compared to Palace’s firm stance on Eze’s clause—could also make a deal more feasible.

Tactically, Simons’ versatility (capable across attacking midfield and both wings) provides Frank with flexible deployment options.

His Bundesliga experience in high-pressing systems mirrors the intensity Frank demands, ensuring a smoother adaptation than Eze might manage transitioning between Palace’s counterattacking approach.

The Verdict

While sentimental factors and Premier League familiarity favor Eze, cold analysis reveals Simons as the superior option. His statistical dominance, age advantage, and stylistic fit with Frank’s methodology position him as the transformative signing Tottenham need.

Securing the Dutch phenom would send a statement of intent—not just for 2025/26, but for Spurs’ aspirations to reestablish themselves among England’s elite in the coming decade.

As negotiations progress, Daniel Levy and Tottenham’s recruitment team face a defining choice: opt for the proven commodity in Eze, or invest in Simons’ boundless potential. For a club rebuilding toward sustained success, the latter path offers the higher reward.