Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Sat 14 March 2026 15:40, UK

Ashley Phillips is starring at Stoke City and may not want to return to Tottenham Hotspur.

Phillips was given the captain’s armband for the Potters’ 3-3 draw with Ipswich Town in the Championship on Tuesday night – an incredibly rare feat for a loanee.

The 20-year-old defender is currently in his second stint at the bet365 Stadium and has played 75 times for the club, significantly more than any other loan player in their history.

But Mark Robins had absolutely no hesitation in trusting him to lead his team-mates out for a crucial match, and Spurs must take note ahead of a busy summer transfer window.

What would Ashley Phillips bring to Tottenham?

Despite being named on the first-team bench on eight different occasions since arriving from Blackburn Rovers in August 2023, Phillips has yet to make his Tottenham debut.

It is a worry that they have relied on Stoke to develop his obvious leadership qualities, and his commanding performances will no doubt be attracting attention.

As his Sofascore statistics demonstrate, the central defender is ready to make the step up to the Premier League now and won’t want to wait much longer.

He has made 32 appearances to date in the second tier this season, starting 28 times and helping Stoke to keep 10 clean sheets in their bid to avoid relegation.

His defensive numbers are superb, with the England Under-21 defender recovering 1.7 balls on average per game, as well as making 0.8 interceptions and 0.4 tackles.

Phillips has also won 63 per cent of his total duels, including 70 per cent in the air, while his 86 per cent pass accuracy showcases his calm nature on the ball.

The fact he has been booked just five times all campaign also proves he has a wise head on young shoulders, with Robins relying on him to lead his less experienced squad mates.

Tottenham will have been impressed, but this summer will be crucial in their bid to keep him. They simply must convince him of his long-term future, or risk letting him slip away.

Cristian Romero could be key in deciding Phillips’ future

Spurs are expected to conduct a sweeping overhaul of their dressing room at the end of the season, with rebel captain Cristian Romero almost certainly on the chopping block.

The centre-back has openly spoken of his disagreement with the running of the club and taken aim at the hierarchy for a lack of ambition, and therefore will likely be sold.

Micky van de Ven could also be tempted to seek a move away, especially if Tottenham are relegated, and this could hand Phillips his big chance to stake his claim for regular starts.

While the uncertainty around the managerial position threatens to affect his future, Phillips will be aware that he won’t get a better opportunity to finally get his Spurs breakthrough.