Tottenham Hotspur have closed their biggest signing of the summer 2025 transfer window, finally bagging an attacking midfielder and doing so in some style, beating out London rivals Chelsea to the signature of former RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.
The Dutchman is the third major signing of the summer window for Tottenham, joining former Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha and rival West Ham forward Mohammd Kudus as new starters for Spurs.
Next up, Tottenham still want to sign another forward to bolster their attack, but they also remain in the market for another defensive player at the behest of manager Thomas Frank, even though Spurs already have arguably the best central defensive trio in the Premier League amongst Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and best-kept secret Kevin Danso.
According to a report from the Daily Mail's Jack Gaughan, among other journalists covering the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur are after Manchester City star center back Manuel Akanji, who has been increasingly linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.
Tottenham are in the lead
Tottenham just beat Manchester City 2-0, which may have had the unintended consequence of completely scaring off the Citizens from selling top young winger Savinho to Spurs. But Tottenham could still land a big fish from Man City in Akanji, who is ready for a new challenge.
AC Milan and Turkish Super Lig powerhouse Galatasaray are after the Swiss international, but, per Gaughan and others, Akanji's preference is to continue competing at the highest level of football in the Champions League. And that's something Tottenham can definitely offer for the 2025/26 season, in addition to keeping Akanji in the best league in the world, the Premier League.
Akanji is 30, but since he has two years left on his contract, there isn't much long-term risk in signing him. Known for his intelligence and ball-playing ability, Akanji has been highly valued by Pep Guardiola ever since joining from Borussia Dortmund a few years ago, and you can see why Thomas Frank would want him as a veteran backup, even if it puts fourth center back Radu Dragusin in a weird spot.
The signing of Akanji, if it happens, wouldn't be expensive at an expected price of just 15 million pounds due to the player's age and contract status. Akanji's signing would also signal potentially more three-man back lines for Frank, who did utilize a back three in his first serious game in charge against PSG in the UEFA Supercup Final.