Tottenham Hotspur’s recruitment strategy has seen a huge shift in recent years, subsequently prioritising the additions of young stars who can develop into world-class talents.
Such a focus has the additions of the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr, with the youngsters joining for bargain fees from the likes of Djurgarden and Metz, respectively.
Despite being just 19 and 22 respectively, the duo managed to rack up a total of 100 combined appearances between them – playing key roles in the Lilywhites’ Europa League triumph.
Given their tender ages, the pair have plenty of time to build on their impressive starts to life at the club – having the opportunity to make themselves central figures in any success under Thomas Frank.
However, they could be joined by another top-level talent after the hierarchy completed the big-money signing of one youngster in the latter stages of the summer window.
Why Spurs moved to sign Xavi Simons
After missing out on the signatures of both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, Spurs appeared to be scrambling for a new attacking midfielder in the closing stages of the summer window.
The English duo appeared to be Frank’s main targets in the market, but after outside interference saw deals through, it was pivotal that the hierarchy identified alternatives for the manager.
Xavi Simons looked set on a transfer to Chelsea, but the Lilywhites swooped in at the 11th hour, subsequently hijacking talks – resulting in a £52m transfer fee being agreed between all parties.
The Dutchman became the second £50m+ addition of the summer, following in Mohammed Kudus’ footsteps – with the pair potentially striking up a deadly partnership throughout 2025/26 and beyond.
However, despite their excellent dealings in the market this window, it’s their work in previous times that has massively helped them, with such moves potentially increasing the club’s chances of added success in the coming months.
The Spurs player who is worth more than Simons
Excitement has understandably been building among the Spurs fanbase given the additions made this summer, as the club hopes to avoid a repeat of the 17th-placed finish last campaign.
Moves for Kudus and Simons will likely improve their forward line, but a real expectation will be on the backline to improve their record of 65 goals conceded in just 38 league games.
However, Frank has already demonstrated that he’s been able to have an immediate impact in such a department – keeping two clean sheets and conceding just once in the first three outings.
The Dane has utilised a back four mainly in the early stages of his career in North London, with Micky van de Ven being a component to the manager’s system.
The Dutchman originally joined the Lilywhites in a £43m transfer back in the summer of 2023, but has struggled with injuries since his move – racking up 55 appearances to date.
However, despite his defensive role, the 24-year-old has still managed to impress in attacking areas – with such a skillset offering an all-round presence to the first-team squad.
Van de Ven, who’s been labelled “world-class” by teammate Luka Vuskovic, scored a beautiful effort against Nottingham Forest in the 2023/24 season, before producing a top-level assist for Brennan Johnson in the win against Manchester United at Old Trafford last season.
His pace has also made him a real asset to the first-team squad, registering the fastest sprint of any player in the Premier League – clocking a speed of 23.07mph.
As a result of his recent showings in North London, his market value soared to £58.3m – that’s according to FootballTransfers’ latest valuation of the centre-back.
Games played
13
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
91%
Dribble success
50%
Tackles won
60%
Aerials won
1.7
Interceptions made
1.1
Recoveries made
5.6
Such a figure is higher than that of Simons, with the big-money summer transfer addition only valued at £52.6m – the same figure they paid for his signature.
Given the incredible rise of Van de Ven’s transfer fee, it’s no surprise to see him being a key member of the squad, hopefully reaching the next level under Frank’s guidance.
As for Simons, if his addition can be as successful as his compatriot’s, it would be a sensational move for the player and the club – subsequently increasing the side’s chances of success in the near future.
