(Credit: Manh Tung)

Jacob Raw

Tue 17 February 2026 12:00, UK

Tottenham’s decision to send Yang Min-Hyeok on loan to Coventry City raised some eyebrows, and for good reason.

The left-winger was brought to Hotspur Way from Gangwon FC in the winter of 2025, with the transfer seen as a long-term investment.

Yang has been compared to Tottenham legend Heung-Min Son, with similar playstyles, position and even the same nationality.

The South Korean spent the first part of the season out on loan with Championship strugglers Portsmouth, where he had moments of magic but still failed to establish himself as a regular starter.

However, Johan Lange and Co.’s decision to recall him seems to have made Spurs supporters’ worst nightmare come true in this case.

• Read more: Yang and Son claim made at Tottenham as ‘massive difference’ explained

Yang Min-Hyeok now not being selected for Coventry City squad

Yang is highly rated internally in N17, as there are high hopes for the 19-year-old to one day become a first-team starter.

But Lange’s decision to recall him and send him back on loan to a side top of the Championship worried some at first.

There was always a concern that, despite Yang possibly needing a loan switch, a move to the Sky Blues was a step too far. That now seems to be the case.

The attacker was left out of Coventry’s top of the table clash against Middlesbrough, where Frank Lampard’s matchday squad contained several wingers who all appear to be ahead of the Tottenham loanee in the pecking order.

This means that the wide man has now made just 29 league minutes for his current side.

There were different options that Lange and Co. could have made with Yang, and sending him to a side that was always going to difficult to break into was the wrong choice.

Adding to that, there’s a real chance he doesn’t play again this season.

• Read more: Tottenham learn the cost to sign Lloyd Kelly as summer transfer priority becomes crystal clear

Good news with Jamie Donley’s loan; here’s why

Not every move with youngsters will work out, but when something is developing, it’s best to leave it, and hopefully, Lange and the others involved will learn from their mistake with Yang this season.

However, the decision to recall Jamie Donley from his loan at Stoke City was self-explanatory. The promising attacking midfielder made waves in League One last season, and this year it was time for a step up.

• Donley made 52 appearances in total for Leyton Orient last season
• He grabbed 19 goal contributions
• This campaign, he made just six appearances for Stoke City up until January

After failing to be given a chance for the Potters, the Lilywhites recalled Donley from his loan with Stoke, to loan him back out to another Championship side in Oxford City.

The Englishman suffered a horrific injury 17 minutes into his debut with the side, but made his return to action on Sunday.

Now, Tottenham will hope for the 21-year-old to rediscover his form in the Championship before heading back to Hotspur Way this summer.

For more expert reaction on Tottenham and transfer updates, head to Football Insider so you don’t miss any fresh news.