There has not been much negativity for Tottenham fans to mull over this summer.
It has largely been a period of positive developments for Spurs. One of the best managers in the Premier League has arrived in Thomas Frank, as well as a proven talent at this level in Mohammed Kudus.
Now – however – Tottenham supporters are in disagreement with those on the recruitment team after hearing that Ashley Phillips has been loaned to Stoke once again.
Ashley Phillips development frustrates Tottenham fans
The 20-year-old spent the 2024/25 campaign with the Potters, and he is now returning to Stoke for the 2025/26 season after Tottenham decided the young central defender was not needed for now.
Towards the end of June, Alan Nixon claimed that Frank asked Spurs not to entertain any offers for Phillips as the Dane wanted to take a look at the Manchester-born prospect in training.
It could therefore be argued that the 51-year-old feels the England U20 international is not yet ready for Premier League football, but the decision has irked Tottenham fans nonetheless.
One Spurs supporter simply called it a “bad decision” to loan Phillips back to Stoke, with many in agreement that the move does little to challenge the youngster.
Another wrote similar, adding that the loan “makes no sense” and offers the £2m prodigy “zero progression” in his career.
A third Tottenham fan opined: “Not a fan of this. Would like to see him at a higher level on loan.”
Sheffield United were also keen to sign Phillips – who were on the cusp of Premier League promotion last season – so a loan to Bramall Lane would have arguably made more sense than another move to Stoke, who finished 18th in the Championship last term.
Another Spurs supporter even feels the Blackburn academy graduate would play ahead of Radu Dragusin if he stayed, posting: “Weird. Kid can start over Dragusin.”
Even Tottenham players seemed to be moved by Ashley Phillips
Since his £2m move from Blackburn to Tottenham in August 2023, Phillips has been loaned to Plymouth and Stoke, failing to make a competitive appearance for Spurs.
He did, however, spend six months training with Spurs at Hotspur Way before his loan to Plymouth occurred in January 2024, in which time the youngster made a strong impression.
Dejan Kulusevski was impressed by Phillips to give one example.
The Swede said: “He is probably ready. It is the coach that decides this, but I think every player is unbelievable in training. If he will be called, he will be ready.”
Phillips also impressed Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian saying: “We’ve got young Ash in, who is working really hard and improving all the time. We think he has great potential.”
Therefore, you can see why Tottenham fans are annoyed by what they consider to be a sideways move for Phillips.