Xavi Simons and FC Bayern – a story that had actually already been written. Rejected, ticked off, done. But with Tottenham Hotspur’s impending relegation, this story may take a new turn
Just last summer, the Dutch attacker moved from RB Leipzig to Spurs in the Premier League for just under €65 million. Not a bargain – and that was precisely what prompted Uli Hoeneß to reject the deal outright at the time
In the podcast „Auf eine weiß-blaue Tasse“ , the Bayern patro revealed that sporting director Christoph Freund and coach Vincent Kompany had traveled to Lake Tegernsee especially to convince him of a Xavi transfer. Hoeneß, however, rejected this proposal in no uncertain terms – the Dutchman was simply too expensive
Relegation as a catalyst – will Simons leave Spurs in the summer?
What seemed definitive at the time is now up for debate again, as Tottenham are not fighting for titles this season, but for survival in the Premier League. If relegation is indeed sealed, there is likely to be an exodus at the north Londoners. According to information from Fußballdaten, 22-year-old Simons is one of the players who would leave the club in the summer in this case. Accordingly, he could once again become an issue for the German record champions
42 appearances, six goals, seven assists: the bare figures are solid, but they conceal an uncomfortable truth. Like so many Tottenham stars, Simons was unable to live up to the high expectations in London
Bayern well staffed – Simons doesn’t fit the bill
And yet, anyone dreaming of seeing Simons at the Allianz Arena in the summer should temper their euphoria a little. The question is not only whether FC Bayern want to make another attempt – but whether they should at all. Simons feels most comfortable in attacking midfield, behind the strikers. But that’s exactly where Munich are already well-staffed with Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry, as well as home-grown Lennart Karl, who is also a serious option in the playmaker position
According to pay-TV broadcaster Sky, Simons is not currently a concrete transfer target for the upcoming summer transfer window
FC Bayern would be well advised not to reopen the Simons chapter this time either. Hoeneß‘ veto last summer was not a business accident, but sporting common sense. The structural reasons that spoke against a signing back then are the same today – the price may fall, but so will the demand.