Xavi Simons breaks silence after choosing Tottenham over Chelsea as transfer confirmed

Xavi Simons has admitted Thomas Frank played a key role in him choosing to join Tottenham over Chelsea.

The Dutchman was confirmed as Spurs' latest summer signing on Friday despite the Blues being in talks to sign him from RB Leipzig for well over a month.

Tottenham have found it very difficult to sign a new No.10 with failed pursuits for Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White coming earlier this summer. Unsurprisingly, optimism was not too high regarding Simons joining given that Chelsea had been in pole position to sign him..

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However, after arriving in London yesterday to resolve his future, a potential move to the Lilywhites ramped up significantly with a medical completed and his contract signed on Friday.

His arrival has now been officially confirmed with the club statement including some comments from the man himself.

"I'm really happy and can't wait to get going," Simons has been quoted admitting to the club's website. "I've been dreaming of this for a long time.

"It's a great club and when I met the head coach I knew straight away that this was the right place for me. I will bring flair to the team but also hard work and discipline. I want to do everything I can to win, for the team and also for the fans."

Frank also commented on the signing with it clear he is excited to have Simons as part of his squad. "I’m really pleased we have brought Xavi in - he is a great addition to the squad," he said.

“He is still young, however he already has good experience and, over the past few years, has played a lot of games at the top level.

“Xavi has proven his ability to get goals and assists, both from the number 10 position and left-wing.

He also has a great eye for his team-mates in terms of unlocking defences, and I know he will come in and be part of a good team that is already working hard together.”

Simons has joined Mathys Tel, Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha as summer arrivals. He has signed a long-term contract at Spurs with up to £51.8 million as the fee heading to Leipzig.

Despite having his switch confirmed, the 23-year-old cannot make his debut against Bournemouth as he was officially signed after the 12pm registration deadline and also is yet to be granted his work permit.