Xavi Simons Facing Uncertain Future at Tottenham, Barcelona Circling
London – Xavi Simons, the 22-year-traditional Dutch international, is experiencing a challenging first season with Tottenham Hotspur, fueling speculation about a potential return to former club Barcelona. The attacking midfielder, who joined Spurs in August 2025 from RB Leipzig, has struggled to consistently impact matches and with Tottenham facing a precarious position in the Premier League table, a summer move could be on the cards. The situation has alerted Barcelona, who are reportedly keen to re-sign the player they developed through their famed La Masia academy.
A Disappointing Season in North London
Signed for a reported fee of £65 million, Xavi Simons arrived at Tottenham with high expectations. He was expected to be a key component in the team’s push for Champions League qualification. Although, his performances have been underwhelming, contributing just two goals and five assists in all competitions for Tottenham as of March 5, 2026, according to verified statistics. Tottenham’s overall form has also been poor, leaving them dangerously close to the relegation zone – a scenario that would significantly impact Simons’ future.
The possibility of relegation is a major concern for Simons, who has reportedly instructed his representatives to explore potential exit strategies. According to reports, Barcelona has emerged as a leading contender to offer him a lifeline.
Barcelona’s Interest: A Return to the Camp Nou?
Barcelona initially allowed Simons to depart for Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, but the club is now reportedly willing to welcome him back to the Camp Nou. The Catalan giants see Simons as a valuable addition to their squad and believe they can unlock his full potential. Barcelona’s interest is reportedly predicated on Tottenham’s potential relegation, hoping to capitalize on a distressed sale. The club is reportedly valuing Simons at around €40 million (approximately £34 million) should Tottenham be relegated, a significant reduction from the fee Spurs paid just last summer.
Simons initially came through Barcelona’s youth system, spending nearly a decade with the club before moving to PSG. His time at PSG included winning a Ligue 1 title and a Coupe de France, before spells at PSV Eindhoven – where he was named Talent of the Season and finished as the Eredivisie’s top goalscorer with 19 goals in the 2022/23 season – and a loan period at RB Leipzig.
Chelsea Also in the Mix
Barcelona isn’t the only Premier League club monitoring Simons’ situation. Chelsea is also reportedly interested in acquiring the Dutch international. Unlike Barcelona, Chelsea’s financial position allows them to pursue a deal even if Tottenham avoid relegation. This could lead to a bidding war, potentially driving up Simons’ price tag.
Xavi Simons’ Career to Date
Xavi Simons began his youth career with CD Thader in 2008 before joining Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2010. He progressed through the ranks at Barcelona before making the move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. He made his professional debut for PSG in 2021, and after a successful loan spell at PSV, he returned to PSG before being loaned to RB Leipzig in 2023. He made the move permanent to RB Leipzig in January 2025 before joining Tottenham Hotspur in August 2025.
Simons has also represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, including the U15, U16, U17, U19, and U21 teams. He earned his first senior cap for the Netherlands in 2022, featuring at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and becoming the youngest player to appear for his country in the knockout stages of the competition. As of November 17, 2025, he has earned 32 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 6 goals.
What’s Next for Xavi Simons?
The coming months will be crucial for Xavi Simons. Tottenham’s Premier League form will dictate his options, and his performances will be under intense scrutiny. Barcelona and Chelsea will be closely monitoring his progress, and a summer transfer seems increasingly likely. Tottenham face a critical run of fixtures as they battle to avoid relegation, with their next match against Burnley on March 22, 2026, at Turf Moor. The outcome of that match, and those that follow, could well determine Simons’ future.
Fans can follow Xavi Simons’ progress and official updates through the Tottenham Hotspur official website and the Netherlands national team’s official channels.
