Tottenham accept a no-sale clause with De Zerbi impressed by the youngster in training
Jamie Donley is quietly impressing Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi ahead of his first full season in charge.
While much of the attention has focused on the expensive signing this summer, Donley and other academy stars are also working to replace De Zerbi.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign at Leyton Orient in 2024/25, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists in 39 League One appearances as Richie Wellens’ side reached the final.
His performances earned him both the Supporter’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards, underscoring just how influential he was.
That success was not a flash in the pan.
Donley has represented Tottenham since the age of eight, helped the club’s under-21s win the Premier League 2 title and made his debut for Man City in December 2023.
He is also a full international for Northern Ireland, making his debut in 2025 before scoring his first international goal later that year.
Donley began his career as a striker but has developed into an attacking midfielder capable of playing deep or behind the striker.
That flexibility makes him an attractive option for De Zerbi, whose teams look for intelligent movement, technical quality and players who are comfortable finding things under pressure.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
John Wenham is well known among Tottenham supporters for using the Lilywhite Rose platform, where he regularly reports on academy players and youth development. Although not regarded as a typical transfer reporter, he has built a reputation for providing informed updates on Spurs’ young players and internal school affairs. |
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Finance |
Donley is under contract at Tottenham until 2029, meaning Spurs are under no pressure to sell, and it would take a significant offer to make the Lilywhites change their minds. |
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Understanding |
Born in Northern Ireland and raised in Essex, Donley joined Tottenham at a very young age and progressed through all the school’s age groups. Originally a striker, he transformed into a brilliant attacking midfielder while gaining international recognition with Northern Ireland before his 21st birthday. |
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Impact |
If Donley continues his development, Tottenham could acquire a midfielder with the technical ability to provide intelligence between the lines. His versatility and understanding of the club’s playing philosophy make him a long-term option, and his emergence will further strengthen Spurs’ commitment to developing academy talent. |
Even if his loan spells at Stoke City and Oxford United weren’t so great last year, he has shown that he can handle high ball, and there is every chance that he can now push for opportunities in the Premier League.
Jamie Donley impresses Roberto De Zerbi in Tottenham training
According to academy insider John Wenham, Donley is one of the few Tottenham players returning from loan to continue training with De Zerbi’s first team instead of returning to the Under-21s.
Wenham also said that the new coach of Spurs rates the midfielder very highly and that the club has no intention of pleasing him.
While Tottenham have yet to comment publicly on Donley’s future, Wenham’s update is in line with the club’s recent handling of the graduate.
After recalling him from an unsuccessful spell at Stoke in January, Spurs sent him to Oxford in the second half of last season, ensuring he continues to play regular Championship football rather than sit on the bench.
His loan experience has given him valuable exposure to different areas, and it seems to have strengthened his chances of finding a place in De Zerbi’s plans.
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Interest from other clubs is not surprising given Donley’s reputation, but Tottenham appear determined to secure one of their most prominent academy products.
Interestingly, back when De Zerbi was linked with a job at Spurs in 2023, Donley was touted as a potential asset to Italy, and that is now a possibility.
