Rising Tottenham talent returns to Championship side on loan

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 9:18 PM ET

Championship side Stoke City have re-signed Tottenham Hotspur youngster Ashley Phillips for a second season-long loan spell

New Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank showed during his time at Brentford that he isn’t afraid of handing opportunities to young players, and that could see the likes of Kota Takai, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall among some to enjoy regular game time next season as the Lilywhites compete on multiple fronts.

The Danish tactician, who replaced Ange Postecoglou at the club’s helm in June, has been tasked with making Spurs competitive in the Premier League after a disastrous last campaign. Not only is signing new players important, but also the 51-year-old should nurture young talents at N17. And if he feels certain youngsters are not yet ready for first-team action, Thomas Frank should allow them to leave on loan.

Last week, Tottenham academy starlet Alfie Dorrington returned to Aberdeen, joining the Scottish Premiership side on a season-long loan. He did well during the second half of last season on loan and Aberdeen wanted Dorrington again. And now another young defender has left Spurs on loan.

Ashley Phillips rejoins Stoke City

Tottenham have confirmed on their official website that Ashley Phillips has joined Stoke City for a second season-long loan spell.

Arriving at Spurs from Blackburn Rovers in August, 2023, the rangy centre-back spent last season on loan with Stoke City, making 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring once. Prior to that, he has previously spent time on loan with Plymouth Argyle.

The England Under-20 international, who was linked with a move to Sheffield United earlier this summer, becomes the Potters’ fifth signing of the transfer window.

Good decision from Spurs to loan out Ashley Phillips again

Kota Takai’s arrival from Kawasaki Frontale earlier this summer is a coup for the Lilywhites, and the highly-rated teenager is expected to compete in Thomas Frank’s first-team squad in the upcoming season. That combined with Luka Vuskovic joining the club officially at the start of July following a fantastic loan spell with KVC Westerlo and immediately impressing in the first pre-season game against Reading, means a pathway for Ashley Phillips to break into the first team under Frank was extremely tough.

In addition, the North Londoners currently boasts of five experienced centre-backs (if one counts Ben Davies too). Thus, it is the best decision taken by the club officials to loan Phillips out to Stoke again, allowing him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment.

Our fans will follow the Salford-born talent’s performances in the Championship with great passion and commitment, hoping he becomes a regular starter under Mark Robins right from the start of the season.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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