Xavi Simons can still make Tottenham appearance vs Bournemouth despite transfer deadline missed

Xavi Simons can make his first appearance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday - less than 24 hours after officially joining the club. Chelsea were in pole position to sign him, but Spurs moved very quickly to hijack their move and agree a deal with RB Leipzig.

There were a number of formalities still to resolve with a late attempt from the Blues to sign him, after weeks of talks, not ruled out.However, a medical was completed at Hotspur Way and his contract signed on Friday which meant Spurs had finally got a No.10 in the door.

In the club statement announcing his arrival, Simons and head coach Thomas Frank were quoted with it clear both are keen to get started.

READ MORE: Every word Thomas Frank said on Xavi Simons, more transfers and Tottenham injury news

READ MORE: Tottenham Xavi Simons transfer deadline clear for Bournemouth clash amid £51m move

"I'm really happy and can't wait to get going," the 23-year-old said via the club's website. "I've been dreaming of this for a long time.

"It's a great club and when I met the head coach I knew straight away that this was the right place for me. I will bring flair to the team but also hard work and discipline. I want to do everything I can to win, for the team and also for the fans."

Frank added: "I’m really pleased we have brought Xavi in - he is a great addition to the squad. He is still young, however he already has good experience and, over the past few years, has played a lot of games at the top level.

"Xavi has proven his ability to get goals and assists, both from the number 10 position and left-wing. He also has a great eye for his team-mates in terms of unlocking defences, and I know he will come in and be part of a good team that is already working hard together.”

Unfortunately, Frank will have to wait two weeks to hand Simons his Spurs debut due to the September international break and because his switch was not ratified until after the Premier League's 12pm registration deadline.

However, football.london understands that Simons will be introduced to supporters inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the clash against Bournemouth. He has also not yet been granted a work permit but there now looks to be plenty of time to sort that as Spurs' next clash is not until Saturday, September 13, against West Ham United.

In the meantime, Simons will join Micky van de Ven on Netherlands duty during the first few weeks of next month with World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania on their schedule.

Having missed action due to injury, Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie will be among those remaining in north London. Extra sessions will be beneficial for the latter as he has not played in over a month but Frank has confirmed he could return against the Cherries.