London (AP) — Tottenham signed Netherlands attacking midfielder Xavi Simons from Leipzig on Friday, an arrival that partially makes up for the club's failure to bring in Eberechi Eze last week.
Fee and Background
The fee for the 22-year-old Simons, who was a breakout star at the European Championship last year, was 60 million euros ($70 million), according to the British media.
"I will bring flair to the team but also hard work and discipline," Simons said in a statement from Spurs.
Simons joined Leipzig on a permanent basis only in January, after a previous loan spell at the German club from Paris Saint-Germain.
Tottenham's Summer Search
Tottenham was in talks with Eze before the England international opted to join fierce north London rival Arsenal in a late move.
Tottenham has been in the market for an attacking midfielder throughout the summer window, with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski out with long-term injuries. Simons' contract is long term, Spurs said.
Simons' Performance
Simons had 10 goals and seven assists in 25 Bundesliga games last season, despite missing around two months with injury. He had little impact in a miserable Champions League campaign where Leipzig lost seven of its eight games.
It's another big-name departure in this window for Leipzig, which sold striker Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United.