DONE DEAL: Tottenham’s central defender finalizes loan move to Stoke City

Stoke City have bolstered their defence with the signing of Tottenham Hotspur’s promising centre-back Ashley Phillips, who joins the club on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old England Under-19 international Phillips just returned from a fruitful loan stint at Plymouth Argyle, where he won the Pilgrims’ Young Player of the Season title in the 2023–2024 campaign.

“We identified the need to bring another central defender into our squad some time ago, but we chose to be patient, waiting for the right player of the right quality,” said Stoke City’s Sporting Director, Jon Walters, on the signing.

“We’re delighted that our conversations with Ashley and with Tottenham have led to them each believing that Stoke City is the right club for him amid no shortage of competition.”

According to Walters, “It’s clear that he has all the attributes to become an outstanding defender at this level and beyond, and we’re all excited to see what he can achieve for us this season.”

“I’m really excited to be at Stoke City and can’t wait to get started,” Phillips remarked in reference to his move. I’m here to support the great club in our pursuit of a top league finish. I think this team deserves to be moving up the Championship table.”

Prior to joining Tottenham last summer, Phillips was named EFL Apprentice of the Season after making 14 first-team appearances for Blackburn Rovers as a 17-year-old.

Phillips is anticipated to be available for selection when Stoke plays West Bromwich Albion in their next game.

Last season, Phillips spent an incredible loan with a very poor Plymouth Argyle team. He helped the team avoid relegation and was awarded Argyle’s Young Player of the Season. This time, he’s staying in the same tier but joining a (slightly) stronger squad; Stoke isn’t a great team, but it just means he’ll have plenty of playing time, and right now, that’s precisely what he needs.

Since Tottenham now lacks defensive cover due to this loan, I am aware that some fans are sidelining it; nonetheless, central defenders usually don’t reach their prime until at least their mid-20s. Ash has an abundance of time to hone his art and improve.

In a few years, he might establish himself as a regular for Tottenham, or he might not. I’m all with it, though, because sending him away to receive consistent playing experience is preferable to him languishing on the Spurs bench at 19 years old.