Tottenham relegation: James Maddison and Hayden Hackney star in possible Championship starting XI

Tottenham Hotspur could well be playing their football in the Championship next season.

Even with the introduction of Roberto De Zerbi, there is still genuine fear that the Lilywhites could be relegated.

It feels like West Ham, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest all have more fight, and their players are showing the desire needed.

That hasn’t been seen at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a long time as fans continue to lose faith in their players every week.

A drop into the second tier would likely spark a summer of change for Tottenham as we now assess how their starting XI could look for the new campaign.

🚨 TOTTENHAM TRANSFER HUB 🚨

Breaking N17 recruitment news: Top targets, deals in progress, whispers, signings, departures, contract updates.

24/7 coverage from your definitive Lilywhites source

Tottenham could sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough

There has been so much annoyance surrounding the current Spurs squad, especially given that most will probably leave if they are relegated.

There are plenty of players also out on loan away from N17, and it could be them left to pick up the slack moving forward.

PlayerLoan clubPlayerLoan club
George AbbottMansfieldLuka VuskovicHamburg
Alfie DorringtonSalford CityAlfie DevinePreston North End
Dane ScarlettHibernianMin-Hyeok YangCoventry City
Damola AjayiBromleyWill LankshearOxford United
Jamie DonleyOxford UnitedTyrece HallNotts County
Manor SolomonFiorentinaMikey MooreRangers
Kota TakaiBorussia MonchengladbachAshley PhillipsStoke City
Alejo VelizRosario Central
Tottenham loan exits 2025/26

Antonin Kinsky, Djed Spence and Souza could stick around to help form part of the Lilywhites’ back line and bring some sort of continuity.

They could be joined by Kota Takai and Ashley Phillips, who are currently out on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach and Stoke City, respectively.

The latter would provide experience of the second tier and, as an academy product, understands the job at hand.

Tottenham Ashley Phillips career stats

A fellow Hotspur Way graduate could sit just ahead of him, as Alfie Devine could play a role in midfield after his stint at Preston North End.

Joining him in the middle of the park could be Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, who may be on the move away from the Riverside in the summer.

Tottenham are really struggling right now, and adding someone like him could prove to be the boost they need moving into a season in the Championship.

Zan Vipotnik and James Maddison could star for Tottenham

Ahead of an experienced midfield two at the second-tier level could be the potential jewel in the crown for the Lilywhites.

James Maddison has been missing due to injury for nearly a year, but coming back in, he could be the man to fire Spurs back to the Premier League.

He will need help around him, and bringing Mikey Moore and Manor Solomon back after their loans could prove to be excellent for all.

That is all well and good, but Tottenham will be in need of a true goal scorer, especially if Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Mathys Tel leave.

Tottenham potential XI in the Championship

Zan Vipotnik could prove to be a wise addition as he looks destined to win the Golden Boot with Swansea City this season.

He may be available for a price that can tempt the North London club and could score the goals that this current squad is missing.

Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access

Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.