Tottenham may need to wait until this summer before sending Luca Williams-Barnett on loan.
Williams-Barnett is one of Tottenham’s most promising youngsters and is a huge favourite among supporters.
He made his debut for the Lilywhites in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup third round earlier this season.
And now that he has returned from England’s Under-17 World Cup run, all eyes are on him once again.
Luca Williams-Barnett unlikely to be loaned this winter
Williams-Barnett was recently nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Month for the second time this season.
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Given his recent performances, fans have become convinced that the Premier League is too easy for the rising star who many believe should be loaned this winter.
However, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham has pointed out that FA rules make that near impossible.
“I think there is some sort of rule that prevents him from going out on loan,” Wenham said.
“He could have his first loan from the end of this season because of when his birthday falls as well. I remember the same thing that happened with Mikey Moore, where we were talking about getting him out alone before, but he actually couldn’t because of his age.
“I think there is some rule, and it’s also to do with securing him and making sure he’s club trained when he’s older. So there’ll be a reason as to why Tottenham are keeping him around.
“But, I would like to see him go out on loan from next August. A sort of thing where he does preseason with Tottenham and then heads out on loan.”
What are the FA’s loan rules?
According to the FA, players must be at least 17 years old and have signed a professional contract to be loaned from a Premier League club.
While Williams-Barnett satisfies that criterion, the loan agreement also requires a parent or guardian’s signature, and the player must not be in full-time education.
Currently, the attacking midfielder is in education within the academy system which could pose an issue for any potential loan deal.
As a result, Tottenham may need to wait until the summer to secure the youngster’s first loan.