(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

Timo Werner to thank as 'unbelievable' player chooses Tottenham over Chelsea

Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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Timo Werner endured a rather forgettable spell at Tottenham, but he has paid them back with a player.

Werner was linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with Leeds United credited with interest.

However, the Germany international has remained at RB Leipzig following his year-and-a-half spell in North London.

Now, the 29-year-old has been responsible for a talent choosing a move to Spurs over Chelsea.

Timo Werner playing in Tottenham's away kit.
The forward failed to make an impact in North London (Credit: Imago)

Timo Werner helped Xavi Simons make Tottenham decision

The German previously played for Chelsea, where he made more of an impact during his 89 appearances.

However, neither spell was deemed a success despite the promise Werner had shown before his move to England.

Despite a better record in West London, the 29-year-old influenced Simons' decision to move to Tottenham.

“He told me a lot about the club’s greatness and the fantastic fans,” Simons said via The Standard on 5 September.

“And he said he thought it was the right place for me to learn and improve. Thanks for your trust, Timo!”

Xavi Simons smiling as he reports to the Netherlands for international duty
Simons was unveiled before the Bournemouth game (credit: imago)

Why Xavi Simons was called 'unbelievable'

Simons has been highly regarded within world football for some time, but his career has zigzagged.

The Netherlands international came through the ranks at PSG before making his mark for PSV Eindhoven.

Although the European champions bought him back, they then sold him to Leipzig, where he continued to thrive.

  • Simons never made an appearance for PSG
  • He made 33 goal contributions in 48 appearances for PSV
  • At Leipzig, he totaled 46 goal contributions in 78 appearances

“Can we talk Champions League? Can I say watching Xavi Simons against Real Madrid, Leipzig versus Real Madrid, was kind of like a coming out parade in respects of a performance from someone," Wright said via his podcast in 2024.

“He was brilliant. He was brilliant to watch. Unbelievable. And, we are talking about someone who is on loan from PSG to Leipzig, and he is getting the chance to play against arguably one of the greatest teams in the world, Real Madrid, and playing like that. He is 20, going there and putting in (a performance like that). He is on their radar, massively.”

On the face of it, Tottenham have completed a superb piece of business, and there is every reason to feel excited about his arrival.

However, the Premier League is a different beast, and Spurs supporters will need him to make an instant impact.

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