Chelsea in dreamland after avoiding ‘new Antony’

Chelsea have been told they avoided signing “an Antony” following Xavi Simons’ difficult start to life at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Netherlands attacking midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge throughout the summer transfer window after being identified as the Blues’ ideal target amid their search for a suitable back-up to Cole Palmer.

However, despite agreeing personal terms with the 22-year-old, Chelsea were unable to finalise a deal with RB Leipzig and they eventually opted to bring Facundo Buonanotte to the club on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion instead.

Meanwhile, Simons completed a €65 million transfer to Tottenham on 29 August.

Despite his pedigree as one of the most exciting youngsters in European football, Simons has struggled immensely since his arrival in the Premier League and he currently only has one goal contribution in 12 appearances for Tottenham.

Xavi Simons slammed following poor start at Tottenham

Simons’ woes continued during Spurs’ 1-0 defeat against London rivals Chelsea on Saturday evening. The Dutchman replaced Lucas Bergvall in the seventh minute of the fixture, following a concussion, but he was then substituted himself in the 73rd minute after an extremely underwhelming performance.

Following the match, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara told talkSPORT: “It feels like we signed an Antony. I’m sick to death of him. He gives the ball away, soft, short, and [Moises] Caicedo nicks it off him.

“Honestly, he’s come on for Bergvall after five minutes, and it’s like we’re playing with ten men. I’m sick of it, £60million we spent and he’s bang average, he gives the ball away for fun.”

Antony joined Manchester United from Ajax for €95m in 2022 and he is widely considered to be one of the biggest flops in Premier League history. The Brazilian registered just 17 goals and assists in 96 appearances for the Red Devils and he was sold to Real Betis for a mere €22m on 1 September.

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