Main image of Kim Hellberg clapping after managing a Middlesbrough game and Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips' face in a circulat inset on the right

Kim Hellberg and Ashley PhillipsImago

Ashley Phillips' Tottenham Hotspur exit on hold - here's why

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Published on:

09 Aug 2026, 6:30 pm

Ashley Phillips will have to wait to complete his move from Tottenham Hotspur to Middlesbrough.

The centre-back looks certain to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, though it may not be as imminent as first though.

Spurs have spent £237million on deals to sign Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Mateus Fernandes.

However, they have recouped cash from the sales of Luka Vuskovic, Will Lankshear, and Alfie Devine.

Phillips could still yet seal his exit to raise further cash, with Roberto De Zerbi still keen to add to his squad.

But a new development has cast doubt on whether his move to Middlesbrough will get signed off.

What has happened with Ashley Phillips' Tottenham exit?

Spurs signed Phillips for a bargain £2million fee from Blackburn Rovers in 2023, but he has failed to make a first-team breakthrough.

Indeed, he has spent the past two seasons on loan at Stoke City, and had a temporary spell with Plymouth Argyle prior to that.

TeesideLive has now reported that Middlesbrough's move has "hit a snag" and is now on pause.

Boro had agreed a £7m deal that could eventually rise to £20m, while there were sell-on and matching rights clauses included.

Phillips had even travelled to Boro to complete the formalities of his move.

The report adds that is not yet clear what has caused the hold up, and the deal is said to be "paused" rather than off as things stand.

Tottenham ready to bank serious profit as Ashley Phillips transfer advances

What do Tottenham still need in the transfer window?

Spurs have done some smart work recouping the cash they have spent this summer, and Phillips could still yet bring in more money.

However, there is still an obvious need to bring in reinforcement despite six new bodies arriving already.

The most obvious need for De Zerbi is in the final third, with attention needed on the left flank especially.

A new striker might also be on his wish list, especially with uncertainty over the future of Richarlison.

There is still time to get business done, but De Zerbi will want to see some movement before the start of the new Premier League season.

Middlesbrough Football Club

Ashley Phillips

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club