Tottenham dealt ‘major’ contract blow after Luca Williams-Barnett development
Luca Williams-Barnett’s rapid progress has caused some contract issues behind the scenes at Tottenham.
Williams-Barnett had an unbelievable season for Spurs’ Under-18s and has already caught the eye of Ange Postecoglou, after being named on the bench for several first-team fixtures this year.
The 16-year-old is a technical midfield talent with a keen eye for goal, who looks to have a very exciting future in the game.
However, his performances this season appear to have caused a problem behind the scenes for Tottenham.
Dexter Oliver refuses scholarship offer ‘due to Williams-Barnett‘
As reported by Lilywhite Rose (14 May), Oliver is set to leave Tottenham after refusing a two-year scholarship offer from the Lilywhites.
Manchester United and Manchester City are both attempting to sign the 16-year-old.
| 2024/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
| Lucá Williams-Barnett | 23 | 20 | 12 | 1.857′ |
| Dexter Oliver | 9 | – | 2 | 507′ |
And Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Oliver’s departure is due to the form of Williams-Barnett.
“That is a major blow, make no mistake about it,” Wenham said.
“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.
“However, obviously that won’t be happening, and it is a real shame to lose a player of Oliver’s quality, which is clear to see based on the fact that Manchester United and Manchester City want to sign him.”
Postecoglou should entrust Williams-Barnett
Now que the outcry of ‘He’s too young’, while the case to integrate Williams-Barnett into the first team is made.
The attacking midfielder is all but 16 years of age. However, Lamine Yamal was 15 when he made his Barcelona debut, and now he is a potential frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or.
While there is nothing to suggest that Williams-Barnett is the next Yamal, as the game continues to evolve, more and more clubs trust their young talents.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Tottenham’s own Archie Gray are both young players who have been passed the baton early in the Premier League, and Williams-Barnett has proven his talents warrant similar opportunities.