The Tottenham youngster provided a great opportunity after impressing Roberto De Zerbi
Tottenham’s pitch has been reshaped almost beyond recognition this summer.
Sandro Tonali arrived from Newcastle United and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, two key investments in the middle of the park that quickly raise the bar for anyone hoping to break into Roberto De Zerbi’s engine room.
Meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall, one of the club’s brightest talents, has been strongly linked with a move away, while Preston North End have completed a permanent deal for Alfie Devine.
Amid incoming firepower and outgoing young talent, De Zerbi’s midfield image suddenly looks more like one focused on quality knowledge than youthful exuberance.
But the manager has a reputation for combining school and football, building a strong pipeline of incredible talents during his time at Brighton.
“Roberto is determined to take the team up, with age not holding him back,” said Seagulls Under-21 coach Shannon Ruth following the success of Evan Ferguson and Jack Hinshelwood.
“It takes a lot of courage and belief that that vision is at a high level, and our players are very motivated to see their teammates step up.”
And despite his recent overhaul of Tottenham’s pitch, it seems De Zerbi isn’t giving up on the kids just yet.
Jamie Donley is about to leave Tottenham
Alasdair Gold, who has followed Spurs’ academy closely for years, reports that 21-year-old Jamie Donley has caught De Zerbi’s eye in the early weeks of pre-season.
“The understanding is that Jamie Donley has impressed Roberto De Zerbi so far in the pre-season and there is a good chance that he will come down for the trip to New Zealand and Australia.
“I can see why – another player I’ve followed over the years, interviewed over the years, he got a lot of his time.
“He has a lot of skill, a left foot stick, and I can see why De Zerbi would like him because he can be 8 years old, he can be 10 years old, obviously De Zerbi has been 10 himself.
“He’s very talented, he’s obviously looked fit and sharp in training as well.”
Donley has been at Tottenham’s academy since 2013 and has made four first-team appearances in the 2023-24 season, including his Premier League appearance as a substitute against Manchester City.
Since then he has been loaned out three times – to Leyton Orient, Stoke City and Oxford United – gaining senior experience in League One and the Championship without relinquishing a starting role.
Arguably his most eye-catching moment came at Orient in an FA Cup tie against Manchester City, when a speculative effort from 50 yards forced Stefan Ortega into an own goal.
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Who said it? |
Why Jamie Donley is one of Tottenham’s brightest talents |
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Former Man City manager Pep Guardiola |
“When you concede this goal, you just congratulate the guy. I think it was Donley. He’s a fantastic left-footer.” |
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Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens |
“Spurs have signed one of the best young players on loan and if he keeps doing that he will play (with Premier League teams) every week.” |
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Tottenham academy reporter John Wenham |
“Jamie is one of the few players who was on loan last season who continues to train with the first team and not the U21 and RDZ who seem to rate him.” |
A left-footed attacking midfielder who relies on intelligence rather than pace, Donley switched his international allegiance from England to Northern Ireland in 2025 and has become a regular in their squad.
His press-resistant profile, capable of handling the ball in midfield, is invaluable to a manager looking to make quick changes, while Gold praised his leadership and character.
Whether a place on the tour to New Zealand and Australia translates into first-team involvement remains to be seen.
The competition is fierce as Fernandes, Tonali, James Maddison, Xavi Simons, Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur are all vying for minutes in midfield.
But with Bergvall’s future uncertain and De Zerbi clearly keen to give academy players a look, Donley has as good a chance as any to make his case.
