Defensive midfielder Xavier Simons signed a permanent deal with Hull City in March 2023, having initially joined on loan from Chelsea in September 2022.

The youngster, who can also operate at centre-half and right-back, joined Chelsea in 2016 from Brentford’s academy after the Bees made the decision to close their academy programme.

Making over 60 appearances for a variety of Chelsea’s youth teams, the London-born midfielder made his senior debut in a 2-0 EFL Cup triumph against Brentford in December 2021. Captaining the Under-21s a handful of times in 2021/22, Simons made 29 appearances at youth level for Chelsea and featured four times in the EFL Trophy.

Representing England at Under-15, Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-20 levels, the midfielder spent the majority of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Sky Bet League One side Fleetwood Town. Injuries restricted Simons to making 15 appearances for the Cod Army, recording two assists and netting once.