‘Phillips finished at Tottenham with new transfer to be announced in hours’
Ashley Phillips’ time at Tottenham appears to be coming to an end despite an excellent loan spell with Stoke City last season.
Tottenham signed Phillips from Blackburn Rovers in 2023. The 20-year-old has gone on to enjoy back-to-back loan spells with Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City, where he made an impression on fans.
As a result, it was believed that Phillips could be included in Thomas Frank’s plans at Tottenham. However, the defender’s time with the Lilywhites could instead be coming to an end as a transfer announcement nears.
Kōta Takai signing closes the door for Phillips
Tottenham have reportedly agreed a £5million deal to sign Japan international Kōta Takai from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale.
The centre-back is seen as a promising young talent and is expected to be part of Frank’s pre-season squad.
It seems the long wait for his arrival is finally over after the 20-year-old reposted an image via his Instagram of himself at the airport (6 July) ahead of his reported move to Spurs, with that transfer potentially set to be announced within hours.
Tottenham fans may rejoice at the addition of the talented defender, but Phillips may not be so pleased.
| Player | Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Kōta Takai | 2024/25 | 39 | 1 | – |
| Ashley Phillips | 2024/25 | 31 | 2 | – |
Takai is likely to be ahead of Phillips in the pecking order due to the fee paid for his service, while Tottenham have now welcomed Luka Vušković to Hotspur Way after agreeing a deal with Hajduk Split in 2023.
With the big reputations Takai and Vušković arrive with and Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies all already key players at Spurs, Phillips could find himself seventh in the pecking order.
As a result, an exit could be on the cards this summer.
Sheffield United are reportedly ready to pay £6m to sign Phillips, and it has been suggested that the Spurs defender’s value could skyrocket if loaned out next season, which means perhaps a loan exit will be sanctioned, rather than a permanent sale.
However, either way, it is currently difficult to see a long-term future for Phillips at Tottenham.
Phillips’ future should be decided after pre-season
Frank should have a good look at Phillips’ quality before deciding on whether to let him leave this summer.
There is always the option of a mid-season loan if the youngster is struggling for minutes next season.
But the 20-year-old could blossom into one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and it would be unwise for Tottenham to let him slip from their grasp.
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