Thomas Frank is busy preparing his Tottenham side for the 2025/26 season as they’ll be competing on multiple fronts.
Not only will the Lilywhites be competing in the Premier League and domestic competitions, but they will also be in Europe, looking to have a good run in the UEFA Champions League.
Several players have parted ways with Spurs, and a few have joined as well, but there’s still plenty of work to be done on the transfer front for the North London outfit.
Donley follows Stoke City on Instagram
According to Football London (5 August), Donley will join Stoke City on a season-long loan deal.
After an impressive season in League One at Leyton Orient, the Spurs forward will be playing in England’s second tier in the 2025/26 campaign.
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Last season, Donley scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 52 games in all competitions for Orient.
The Northern Ireland international made his senior Tottenham debut in 2023, when he came off the bench in a 3-3 draw against Manchester City.
The then-teenager replaced Brennan Johnson in the sixth minute of injury time in the second half of the contest. His current deal with the Lilywhites runs until the summer of 2027.
Tottenham make the right call by loaning out Donley
Tottenham are making a prudent decision by loaning Donley to Stoke City for the 2025/26 season.
After an impressive loan at Leyton Orient, he needs to test himself at a higher level.
The Championship offers a more competitive environment, ideal for his development as a versatile attacking midfielder who’s capable of leading the line as well.
At 20, regular game time is crucial, and with Tottenham’s attacking depth, first-team opportunities are limited.
Joining Stoke allows the Northern Irishman to gain valuable experience under Mark Robins, potentially returning as a more polished player ready to compete for a first-team spot.
This move aligns with Spurs’ strategy of nurturing young talent through strategic loans.