Over recent years, Tottenham Hotspur’s work in the transfer window has often left a lot to be desired, with numerous additions often failing to meet expectations.
The hierarchy has started to splash some serious cash on new talent over the past few seasons, but not all of them have managed to win over the supporters in North London.
Tanguy Ndombele is arguably the biggest example of their failures in the transfer market, with the board paying £63m for his signature back in the summer of 2019.
The French international arrived with huge expectations given the fee, but ultimately struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League – racking up just over 90 appearances before being released in 2024.
In the present day, Thomas Frank could have his own version of the midfielder, especially if one first-team member is unable to match his own expectations with the Lilywhites.
Xavi Simons’ dismal start to life at Tottenham
During the summer window, new boss Frank made it clear he wanted a new attacking midfielder to help bolster his Spurs first-team squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
Morgan Gibbs-White was just one name constantly touted with a switch to North London, with Eberechi yet another player who was firmly on their radar during the off-season.
The former of the duo stayed at Nottingham Forest, while the latter rejected the Lilywhites in favour of a fairytale return to join boyhood club outfit Arsenal – a move that no doubt stung the Spurs faithful.
As a result, a £52m fee was forked out for the signature of Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, with the 22-year-old the man chosen to provide the goods for Frank’s men.
Two months on from his big-money switch to England, the Dutchman has so far failed to live up to expectations – as seen by his tally of just one goal or assist in his first 12 outings.
His lack of form saw Frank even bench him against Chelsea, but he was quickly introduced into the game after Lucas Bergvall was forced off with a head injury.
However, his start to life in North London was summed up in the 73rd minute, after the substitute was substituted – further highlighting his lack of talent at present.
No doubt he will need time to flourish in the Premier League, but rapid impact is what has been needed from Simons, but ultimately, he’s struggled to match the expectations placed on his shoulders.
The Spurs player who’s becoming one of their worst signings
Given the European triumph at the back end of 2024/25, there was a real sense of urgency for Spurs to build on their success and rise up the table under Frank’s guidance.
However, after three home league defeats in just five matches this season, there are numerous cracks starting to appear during the early months of the Dane’s tenure.
Djed Spence and Micky Van de Ven were both pictured ignoring the manager after the final whistle, even storming off the pitch without applauding the supporters in North London.
Their frustration will no doubt have been caused by the defeat against their city rivals, with the Lilywhites looking toothless in their attempts to secure bragging rights.
Frank’s men achieved a measly total of just 0.05 expected goals during the contest, with striker Randal Kolo Muani unable to have the desired impact in the final third.
The Frenchman joined the club on a season-long loan from PSG on deadline day last summer, even paying a reported £5m to take him on a temporary basis in 2025/26.
After he netted 10 goals in just 22 appearances at Juventus last season, such a move generated huge excitement – like Simons – but like the midfielder, he’s massively struggled in England to date.
His start against Enzo Maresca’s side was just his second for the club, but his performance showcased why the manager has chosen other options over him at the top of the pitch.
The 26-year-old featured for 73 minutes before being withdrawn from the contest, only achieving a total of 16 touches in that time frame – showcasing his lack of impact on proceedings.
Minutes played
73
Touches
16
Passes completed
5
Possession lost
7x
Shots taken
0
Dribbles completed
0
Duels lost
50%
Touches in opposition box
0
Kolo Muani also only registered a total of five passes completed, even failing to register a single shot on goal and losing possession seven times – a tally over 50% of his total touches in the defeat.
Other figures, such as 100% dribbles incomplete and 50% aerial duels lost, further showcase his lack of positive impact, with his substitution certainly justified on Saturday.
It’s evident that the player is yet to get to grips with the demands of the Premier League, with frustration already being shown by the supporters towards him, alongside Simons.
The pair have so far failed to deliver, potentially bringing the club’s spending spree into question once again, given their recent failures under Frank’s guidance.
They still have time to turn things around in North London, but if they continue in the same vein, there’s little doubt that they will go down as some of the worst additions in the club’s history.
