Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Xavi Simons has been out of action with an ACL injury since April, which saw him miss this summer’s World Cup.

It was initially expected that the 23-year-old would be sidelined until the start of 2027. However, it appears that he has made some quick progress. Last week, the Dutchman revealed on social media that he is already training outdoors, and club insider Paul O’Keefe shared at the start of the month that he is ahead of his schedule in his recovery from a knee injury.

Spurs have flown to Marbella for warm weather training this week, but Xavi has been left out as he continues his rehab. While he has been progressing well, the creative midfielder is not expected to be back any sooner. This has led to the Lilywhites looking out for attacking reinforcements.

Tottenham consider big-money bid for Atletico Madrid attacker

According to Spanish newspaper La Razon, Spurs are weighing up an €80m January bid for Atletico Madrid attacker Alex Baena. Simons’ injury has pushed the North London club to look at attacking reinforcements. The Spaniard is among the options they’re now considering for the winter window.

Alex Baena has been a consistent performer for Atletico Madrid since he arrived from Villarreal in the summer of 2025. He enjoyed a strong debut season with Atletico Madrid and went on to play a key role for Spain in winning the World Cup. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 10 appearances.

The versatile attacker is a crucial component in Diego Simeone’s system, and Atletico Madrid have no intention to part ways with him mid-season. Baena is also described as happy with life at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and unwilling to leave, the report adds.

Should Spurs spend big on Baena?

Baena has been a consistent performer in La Liga and could provide Spurs with the creativity and end product they currently lack in the final third. The diminutive wide attacker’s ability to create chances and chip in with goals makes him an attractive option for the North Londoners, who are desperate to add more cutting edge in the attacking third.

Tottenham have shown a willingness to back De Zerbi’s vision, and landing an experienced, battle-tested playmaker in January could prove decisive in their push for a European spot. However, with the 2026 World Cup winner tied down to Atletico until 2030, this won’t be a straightforward deal even if De Zerbi’s club are contemplating an €80m bid in the winter window.