The 2025/26 campaign has been a turbulent journey for Tottenham Hotspur, characterized by a sense of inconsistency that has left the club sitting in a disappointing 14th place in the Premier League.
While a recent victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League provided a glimmer of hope, it has not masked the deeper issues within Thomas Frank’s squad. The team has already faced premature exits from both domestic cups, and the style of play on the pitch has often looked stale and disjointed.
While the January arrival of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid brought much-needed steel and energy to the center of the park, it appears the North London side is still missing a vital piece of the puzzle: a truly transformative creative presence.
This search for a midfield architect has led Tottenham’s recruitment team back to the very club they recently defeated. Reports suggest that Spurs are now “gearing up for a serious pursuit” of Borussia Dortmund’s star playmaker, Felix Nmecha.
The German international has caught the eye of several elite clubs, and Tottenham reportedly faces a significant battle with Manchester United to secure his services.
Dortmund, well aware of the growing interest in their prize asset, has reportedly slapped a £52 million price tag on the 25-year-old. This valuation reflects his status as a high-performing Champions League midfielder who possesses a rare blend of physical presence and technical elegance.
The potential arrival of Nmecha is particularly interesting when considering the current situation of Xavi Simons. The Dutch international was the club’s marquee signing last summer, joining in a massive deal from RB Leipzig.
While Simons has shown flashes of the brilliance that made him a global sensation as a teenager, he has struggled to find a consistent rhythm under Thomas Frank’s rigid tactical structure.
Simons is naturally a more individualistic, flair-heavy player who thrives in transitional moments. In contrast, Nmecha offers a more “rounded” profile that may align better with Frank’s desire for a disciplined but progressive midfield.
Comparing the two players’ performances in the Champions League this season highlights exactly why the Spurs hierarchy is considering this move.
Nmecha has demonstrated a superior ability to control the tempo of matches and involve himself in the defensive side of the game without sacrificing his attacking output.
He averages significantly more touches and passes per game than Simons, suggesting a player who is more integrated into the collective build-up play. Furthermore, his defensive stats including ball recoveries and duel success rates are notably higher, making him a much safer bet for a manager who prioritizes defensive organization.
| Champions League 25/26 Stats | Felix Nmecha | Xavi Simons |
| Matches (Starts) | 7 (6) | 7 (4) |
| Goal Contributions | 3 Goals + 0 Assists | 1 Goal + 1 Assist |
| Touches per Game | 51.4 | 43.9 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87% | 84% |
| Chances Created per Game | 1.4 | 0.9 |
| Ball Recoveries per Game | 3.6 | 2.3 |
| Duel Success Rate | 64% | 47% |
The versatility Nmecha offers is another major selling point. Former Dortmund coaches have described his profile as “exceptional,” noting his ability to operate as a deep-lying number six, a box-to-box number eight, or even a more advanced number ten.
This fluidity would allow Thomas Frank to tinker with his midfield shapes without needing to make substitutions. For Xavi Simons, this could be worrying news.
With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski also working their way back to full fitness, the competition for creative roles in North London is becoming cutthroat. If Nmecha joins, Simons may find his opportunities restricted to cameo appearances off the bench or secondary cup competitions.
Nmecha’s style is built on technical security and ball progression. He is an accurate crosser and a forward-thinking passer who rarely gives the ball away in dangerous areas.
Even in Dortmund’s recent loss at Tottenham’s own stadium, Nmecha stood out as a resilient and composed figure, winning the majority of his duels against a physical Spurs midfield. He provides the “industrial creativity” that Frank seems to be craving a player who works hard for the team but still has the vision to unlock a deep-sitting defense.
While Xavi Simons undoubtedly possesses a higher ceiling for individual highlights and moments of magic, Thomas Frank is currently in a position where he needs stability over stardom. The manager is fighting to “stop the rot” and move the club back toward the European qualification spots.
To do that, he needs a midfield that functions as a single, coherent unit. Nmecha provides the bridge between the defensive grit of Conor Gallagher and the attacking threat of the forwards.
If Tottenham successfully navigates the competition from Manchester United and pays the £52 million asking price, it will be a clear statement of intent. It suggests that the club is willing to pivot away from its summer strategy in favor of players who fit a very specific tactical mold.
For the fans, the prospect of a midfield anchored by Gallagher and fueled by the creativity of Nmecha is an exciting one. It could be the spark needed to turn a mediocre season into a successful hunt for European football.
For Xavi Simons, however, it serves as a stern reminder that in the Premier League, potential often has to make way for immediate tactical fit.
