RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner breathes easy after Xavi Simons transfer saga ends

After months of speculation, Simons completed a switch to the Premier League side towards the end of the summer transfer window, with Tottenham paying a reported fee of around sixty million euros.

The 22-year-old, who had been a key creative force for Leipzig, had attracted interest from several clubs before Spurs secured his signature.

Werner, speaking to Sport Bild, reflected on how the uncertainty affected the squad during pre-season. "I was relieved when the transfer window closed," he said. "With Xavi, it was clear he would go, just not when. That was a burden for him, the team, and the whole environment. It caused unrest.

"Only once I knew the final squad and the transfer period was over could I plan concretely."

The Leipzig coach also emphasised that Simons' departure, while significant, created opportunities for others to step up and reshape the team dynamic. "When a key player leaves, it creates space for others to grow," Werner added.

"He was a strong character in the team. The restructuring released energy for a fresh start."

Simons' exit has allowed Leipzig to focus on their domestic and European ambitions with a more settled squad.

The Dutch international, meanwhile, has made an encouraging start at Tottenham under Thomas Frank, adapting quickly to life in the Premier League and showing flashes of the creativity that made him one of Leipzig's standout performers last season.