Chelsea had monitored Xavi Simons for several months and were strongly linked with a move. At one stage, RB Leipzig were even preparing for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott to replace him, showing how advanced the situation appeared. However, Tottenham moved decisively and sealed a deal worth £51.8 million, giving Simons a five-year contract with an option for two more seasons.
Despite their long-standing interest, Chelsea never placed an official bid. That hesitation proved costly, as Spurs secured one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
What Chelsea Lose by Missing Simons
Simons would have provided Chelsea with immediate top-level quality. At 21, he already has experience at international level and has shown versatility across midfield and attacking roles. His ability to deliver creativity, goals, and pressing intensity would have added instant strength to Chelsea’s squad.
LMAO XAVI SIMMONS REJECTED CHELSEA FOR SPURS😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/kRTvpCyLNp
— (fan) Trey (@UTDTrey) August 29, 2025
The Dutchman also represented long-term stability. Investing in him meant securing a player who could serve the club for the next decade. Missing out on that type of profile leaves Chelsea without the kind of guaranteed performer who can elevate both domestic and European ambitions.
Financially, Chelsea may have been cautious. The £51.8m fee plus wages would have been another heavy commitment after significant spending elsewhere, including the £40m outlay for Alejandro Garnacho. While restraint made sense in balancing the books, it also meant ceding ground to Tottenham, who now look stronger with Simons in their ranks.
Chelsea Turn to Facundo Buonanotte
Chelsea grabbed Facundo Buonanotte off Brighton in a short time with Simons off the market. Sky Sports and Fabrizio Romano reported the deal, and it is only a loan- no buy-out. The personal stuff is all sorted, so he ought to be with the Blues before the window closes on Monday.
🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea are working on deal to sign Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2025
Negotiations underway with Brighton for Argentine talent in the list of several clubs in UK, Borussia Dortmund and more.
Deal on. 🔵🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/x4u7b4rX2h
That Argentine is just 20 and already played 50 games with Brighton and contributed with seven goals and assists. He had even a loan spell at Leicester last season and scored six goals and three assists proving that he could jump in and make an impact any time.
What Buonanotte Offers Chelsea
Buonanotte is primarily a number 10 but is comfortable playing wide, offering flexibility in attacking positions. His ability to create and finish makes him a useful option behind Chelsea’s new-look forward line of Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro, and Liam Delap.
Unlike Simons, Buonanotte is not yet a proven international star. He has two senior caps for Argentina, but his reputation is still developing. For Chelsea, that means he arrives with plenty of potential and a point to prove, but not the same guaranteed impact Simons would have delivered.
The loan structure also limits the long-term benefits. Brighton refused to insert a purchase option, meaning Buonanotte will return to the south coast next summer regardless of his success at Stamford Bridge. For Chelsea, it is a short-term solution to fill depth rather than a foundational signing.
Comparing Simons and Buonanotte
The contrast is clear. Simons is an established, Champions League-ready player who could have been a cornerstone for Chelsea’s future. Buonanotte, by comparison, is a developmental talent who brings depth, creativity, and versatility without financial risk.
Chelsea lose the certainty of quality with Simons but gain a young, motivated player on a low-cost deal. In the short term, Buonanotte provides options and energy in a busy schedule. In the long term, however, the club may look back at Simons as the bigger missed opportunity.
Final Outlook
Summer has been a juggle of big-money deals and calculated moves at Chelsea. Playing out on Simons demonstrates the difficulty of matching the best clubs. Snagging Buonanotte, however, is a play that still plays like a practical one, without bursting the budget.
With the loan of the Argentine nearing its end, Chelsea supporters will be doing the trade-off: lose a star player, gain a young prospect who might yet prove himself this season.