Tottenham handed major setback as rising star turns down new offer; Manchester giants circle amidst uncertainity

The 16-year-old midfielder is a technically gifted talent with a sharp eye for goal and a promising future ahead of him.

However, his standout performances this season have created an issue behind the scenes at Tottenham. According to Lilywhite Rose, Barett’s teammate Dexter Oliver has turned down a two-year scholarship offer from the club and is now set to leave. Both Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly pursuing the highly rated youngster.

Barnett has been in exceptional form for Spurs’ Under-18s, racking up an astonishing 35 goal contributions in just 30 matches—an impressive return that underlines why he’s regarded as one of the top midfield prospects in the country, while Dexter Oliver has managed just nine games for the U18s.

John Wenham clarifies on in depth on the situation

Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham, in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, believes the emergence of Luca Williams-Barnett has directly influenced Oliver’s decision to leave the club.

Wenham labelled Oliver’s departure a “major blow”, noting that while the talented youngster has been given plenty of opportunities, Williams-Barnett’s rise has blocked his path to playing in his preferred attacking midfield role for the Under-18s.

He questioned the club’s decision not to promote Williams-Barnett to the Under-21s next season, which would have opened the door for Oliver to stay and thrive at the Under-18 level. With both Manchester United and Manchester City now circling, Tottenham face the frustration of losing a highly gifted prospect.

The Lilywhite Rose Owner, speaking to TottenhamNews explained more about the situation

“Oliver is a very good player who has been afforded plenty of opportunities. However, the problem is that the development of Williams-Barnett means Oliver can’t play the position he wants to play. Williams-Barnett has that attacking midfield position in the Under-18s sewn up.”

“I don’t understand why we can’t promote Williams-Barnett to the Under-21s next season and allow Oliver to play for the Under-18s.”

While this is disappointing news for the Lilywhites, Tottenham should take note and shift their focus more towards Luca Williams-Barnett.

The usual objections about his youth are already being raised, but the case for integrating Williams-Barnett into the first team is strong. Though he is not yet 16, players like Lamine Yamal made their debuts at 15 and are now considered top contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

While Williams-Barnett may not necessarily follow the same path, the game is evolving, and increasingly, clubs are placing their trust in young talents—something Tottenham should embrace moving forward.