Now the poker game for Leipzig star Xavi Simons (22) is really heating up!
BILD has learned: The Dutchman is no longer in Leipzig – but in London! The morning training session is already taking place without him. Before the home game against Heidenheim on Saturday, Xavi, who still has a contract with RB until 2027, has been "released for future discussions until further notice," as the club informed BILD upon inquiry.
Everything now speaks – as already reported – in favor of a move to Premier League club Tottenham, where Xavi and his entourage will hold further talks on today's Thursday. This also involves financial matters. From England, it is heard that Xavi has very concrete (and high) ideas regarding the salary.
Also important: Tottenham has not yet submitted an official offer. But in initial exploratory talks, figures have already been verbally exchanged between the clubs.
RB Leipzig aims to reach a transfer fee of around 70 million euros including bonus payments. An agreement will also be reached here. For RB Leipzig with sports director Marcel Schäfer (41), Xavi would be the second major sale this summer after Benjamin Sesko (22/sold to Manchester United for 80 million euros).
The offensive player definitely wants to leave. And a transfer makes absolute sense for Tottenham: The Champions League club has a great need for a playmaker! James Maddison (28) tore his cruciate ligament at the beginning of August. But even before that, it was clear internally that they wanted to strengthen the position again. The desired players Eberechi Eze (27/transfer to Arsenal) and Morgan Gibbs-White (25/contract extension at Nottingham Forest) didn't work out.
For a long time, Chelsea was considered the hottest lead, and Xavi and his well-connected advisor in England, Ali Barat, also agreed with the club. However, the "Blues" have now set their sights on Fermín López (22) from FC Barcelona and have also submitted a €50 million offer for the Spaniard to the club.
Tottenham had also had Xavi on their list for some time. And some time ago, they even specifically inquired with his entourage about a transfer. At that time, the answer was still: "Chelsea or stay." At that point, it was purely a negotiating tactic.
Now, five days before the transfer deadline, the answer is: Tottenham!