Yesterday we got news that Tottenham Hotspur U21 attacking midfielder was returning to north London after the club terminated his loan with Championship side Stoke City. This morning there’s a new report that says Donley will be staying in the second division, joining Oxford United until the end of the season.
The report is from Sam Rourke in Football League World — not my usual choice of sources for reliable transfer rumors, but this one is marked as an “EXCLUSIVE” and honestly feels pretty plausible. Rourke writes that the final details are being ironed out but that Donley is expected to join Oxford in the next couple of days.
This would be something of a lateral move for Donley but one with potential big upsides. Oxford are struggling in the Championship and currently sit in 23rd, one spot above bottom. However, that also happens to be the loan club for striker Will Lankshear, who is having a highly successful loan despite Oxford struggling. And in fact, joining Lankshear could be exactly what Oxford needs — the biggest complaint about Oxford is that they’re playing a dire, defensive football style and they’ve struggled to get Lankshear the ball. Donley is a ball-playing, dynamic offensive midfielder, has played with Lankshear in the Tottenham U21s, and could be a jolt of energy for the Oxen. Or not! You never know with loans.
Considering Donley’s Stoke loan was cancelled because he was stuck behind established players and wasn’t getting minutes, going to a relegation-threatened team might — might! — be a good move. Linking up with a teammate and buddy on loan could also be good for both Donley and Big Willy Lanks. Let’s hope this all works out.