Alfie Devine has left Tottenham on loan to join Preston North End.
Devine started in the midfield for Tottenham during their opening pre-season win against Reading last month.
While the midfielder showed positive signs, he ended up featuring only once more for Thomas Frank during Spurs’ goalless draw against Luton Town.
Despite being hailed as one of the Lilywhites’ more promising youngsters in the past, it now seems that he is destined for a career away from Hotspur Way.
This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.
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Devine has been sent on numerous loans in the last couple of seasons, with the most recent being KVC Westerlo.
He was used generously by the Belgian side, netting six goals and providing one assist in over 2,000 minutes. However, for all his talent and potential, Devine has struggled to have his breakout season at Tottenham.
Indeed, Tottenham announced on Friday (8 August) that Devine has signed a new contract with the club and has joined Championship side Preston North End on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.
However, Preston have since confirmed via Instagram (8 August) that the loan move does include a buy option. Reacting to a potential loan move, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that a permanent transfer may be best for Devine.
“If the loan goes well and there is a fairly high buy option, then that can be positive,” Wenham said.
“I think in Devine’s case has just been at the club a long time now and he hasn’t really had the opportunity to break in. To start the first pre-season game under Frank seemed like a positive indication, but we didn’t see much of him after that.
“Therefore, I think it is a good opportunity for him to go out now and make a home for himself somewhere, maybe on a more permanent basis.”
Tottenham fans need to be patient with Devine
After a series of loan moves and false hopes, it always seemed like it would never work out for Devine at Tottenham.
There is no doubt that he is a talented player. However, the timing always seems to be off when it comes to him. James Maddison’s injury could have been the perfect moment for him to be given the nod.
However, the fact that Tottenham are reportedly interested in finding a replacement on the market and his recent loan move indicate that the club believes he needs a little more time to develop away from Spurs.
But a season at Preston and in England once again could be all it takes to see Devine explode. Therefore, Spurs supporters may need to be a little patient before reaping the full rewards with this one.