Injury Sidelines Xavi Simons, Impacting Tottenham’s Season
Tottenham Hotspur faces a significant setback as Xavi Simons has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The injury occurred during the second half of the team’s 1-0 victory against Wolves, effectively ending not only his season but also his aspirations for the World Cup.
This injury complicates Simons’ future at Hotspur Way. Recently, there had been speculation surrounding a potential move to Manchester United, sparked by interest from Carrick’s side, but that now seems unlikely with him facing a lengthy recovery.
Xavi Simons Struggles at Tottenham
Since joining Tottenham in the summer transfer window, Simons has struggled to find his form. His lack of creative impact has fueled rumors of a possible exit just a year after his marquee transfer from RB Leipzig.
According to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, this injury may render Simons an unsellable asset for Tottenham, despite a relegation clause in his contract. Borson notes that no club would be eager to take on a player facing months of rehabilitation.
Simons joins Tottenham forward Wilson Odobert on the treatment table, as Odobert is also dealing with an ACL injury. This brings the total number of senior players sidelined due to injury at Hotspur Way to as many as ten.
Borson Discusses the Financial Implications of Simons’ Injury
Tottenham secured Simons in a £51.8 million deal from RB Leipzig, but his performance in the Premier League has not matched his Bundesliga success. Although he showed some promise under De Zerbi’s management, last week’s injury stalled his progress.
Borson highlighted the financial and contractual challenges both Tottenham and Simons will face, irrespective of the club’s potential relegation. Speaking to Football Insider, he stated:
“I think we need to take some of that with a pinch of salt. Most players do have a relegation clause, and that is their standard policy.
“It’s hard to see how one player would have been carved out of that. Now, if he has, then it’s a very difficult situation for them. It’s also a difficult situation for the player if he does have a relegation clause because he’s stuck.
“He’s not going to play any meaningful part, probably, of even next season. As we all know, an ACL is not just about the recovery period to actually get back, but it’s also about being effective. You’re not effective really until three to six months after.
“So the likelihood is he’s unsellable. It’s effectively going to be a very expensive exercise for Spurs next season. And for the player, disastrous, obviously. It’s cruel timing and disastrous.
“But I don’t see any way around it for Spurs themselves because nobody’s going to buy him. Let’s be realistic. So they’re stuck, and they’ll have to pay his wages and have to pay his recovery.”
Should Tottenham face relegation, the club would aim for a financial reset, but Simons cannot factor into that plan. Instead, Tottenham will need to support his rehabilitation, with hopes of reintegrating him into the squad no earlier than the 2027/28 season.