Xavi Simons will have to wait until after the international break to make his Tottenham debut.
Simons became Spurs’ latest summer signing on Friday when his £51million transfer from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig was officially announced.
The Dutchman, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a left-winger, has signed a long-term contract with Tottenham and will wear the No7 shirt - last worn by club legend and former captain Heung-min Son.
Although Spurs confirmed the signing of Simons before the Premier League showdown against Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today, the 22-year-old will not be involved.
For Simons to have been eligible to make his Tottenham bow as early as this afternoon, he needed to have been registered by Friday’s (August 29, 2025) 12pm deadline.
Standard Sport also understands Simons doesn’t yet have work permit which means he would not have been able to play against the Cherries on Saturday regardless.
As a result, the next opportunity for Thomas Frank to hand Simons a debut will come after the international break when Spurs take on London rivals West Ham away from home on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
However, the good news for Spurs fans is that they will not have to wait that long to get a first sighting of their new signing.
The plan is to present Simons to the supporters before kick-off against Bournemouth as Frank’s side look to make it three wins from three at the start of the new Premier League season.
