Tottenham Hotspur have one of the best playmakers in English football in James Maddison, who makes appearances for the England national team and has quickly become a clear leader in the locker room, playing a pivotal role in Spurs securing a historic Europa League title this May.
So it is hard to envision Tottenham replacing Maddison, who is one of the least of Spurs problems after a woeful 2024/25 Premier League season. Yet with links to players like Eberechi Eze, there's a distinct possibility that "Madders" could at least see his status relegated to the bench.
Now, Tottenham are being linked with an even more explosive and high-upside attacking midfield signing than Eze - someone who could potentially replace a number of players in the Tottenham starting lineup, including Maddison.
Tottenham want to sign one of the Bundesliga's best players
According to information from James Olley of ESPN FC, Tottenham have an interest in RB Leipzig star midfielder Xavi Simons, who has been one of the best overall players in the Bundesliga since joining the club and has held interest from some of the biggest teams in Europe over the past year, including his academy team Barcelona.
Simons scored 8 goals and 11 assists in his first season in the Bundesliga with a whopping 2.5 key passes, 2.6 dribbles completed, and 2.2 fouls drawn per game as one of the biggest breakout stars in Europe. Although his numbers fell this season for Leipzig, they were still very impressive - all the more so considering how incredibly disappointing the Red Bull-ownd club were. Simons scored 10 goals with 7 assists, averaging 2.2 fouls drawn and 2.0 key passes per match.
Just 22 years old and with three straight seasons of excellent football under his belt between both PSV and Leipzig, Simons looks like the future of football. Though he can play as a No. 8, Simons is at his best as a 10 when he's impacting the game.
Although Maddison is a decent progressor of the ball and willing to press, Simons is a much better athlete and far superior in both regards. And though it is easier to contribute to goals in the Bundesliga than the Premier League, Simons's record in Germany is still very impressive.
Cost could be prohibitive for Tottenham with so many big clubs interested in Simons based on last season, but after Leipzig's poor season, he may have cooled enough to be a more realistic target for Tottenham. Simons and Maddison can definitely co-exist in the same squad, but while signing him could be a dream come true for Tottenham, it will be a blow for Maddison.
Eze is another top attacking midfielder on Spurs radar, but Simons is younger and better all-around. The Crystal Palace man is already in is prime at 26, and while he is another strong option for Tottenham with 8 goals and 8 assists last season to make it back-to-back great Premier League campaigns, he doesn't have the dynamism, creativity, or skill quite to the level of the Dutchman.