Tottenham‘s midfield has been reshaped almost beyond recognition this summer.
Sandro Tonali arrived from Newcastle United and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, two significant investments in the middle of the park that immediately raise the bar for anyone hoping to break into Roberto De Zerbi’s engine room.
At the same time, Lucas Bergvall, one of the club’s brightest young talents, has been strongly linked with an exit, while Preston North End have completed a permanent deal for Alfie Devine.
Between the incoming firepower and the outgoing young talent, De Zerbi’s midfield picture suddenly looks like one centred around top level experience rather than youthful exuberance.
But the manager has a sterling reputation for intertwining academy and senior football, building a steady pathway for prodigous talents during his time at Brighton.
“Roberto is keen to promote from within, with age no barrier for him,” said Seagulls Under-21 coach Shannon Ruth following breakthroughs for Evan Ferguson and Jack Hinshelwood.
“It takes a lot of courage and belief to have that outlook at the highest level, and our players take great encouragement from seeing their teammates stepping up.”
And despite his recent overhaul of the Tottenham midfield, it seems De Zerbi is not giving up on the kids just yet.
Jamie Donley on verge of Tottenham breakthrough
Alasdair Gold, who has followed the 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.
“Understand Jamie Donley has impressed Roberto De Zerbi so far in pre-season and there’s a very good chance that he’ll get off on the tour to New Zealand and Australia.
“I can see why – another player that I’ve followed over the years, interviewed over the years, got a lot of time for.
“He’s got a lot of ability, a bit of a wand of a left foot, and I can see why De Zerbi would like him because he can be an 8, he can be a 10, obviously De Zerbi being a former 10 himself.
“He’s very creative, apparently he’s looked really fit and sharp in training as well.”
Donley has been with Tottenham’s academy since 2013 and made four first-team appearances during the 2023-24 season, including his Premier League debut as a substitute against Manchester City.
Since then he’s gone out on loan three times – to Leyton Orient, Stoke City and Oxford United – gaining senior experience in League One and the Championship without ever quite nailing down a regular starting role.
His most eye-catching moment arguably came at Orient in an FA Cup tie against Manchester City, when a speculative 50-yard effort forced Stefan Ortega into an own goal.
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Who said it? |
Why Jamie Donley is one of Tottenham’s brightest young 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 is an incredible left-foot player.” |
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Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens |
“Spurs have loaned us one of their best young players and if he keeps doing that he’ll play against (Premier League teams) every week.” |
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“Jamie one of the few players who had been out on loan last season who is continuing to train with the first-team and not the U21s and RDZ appears 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 fixture in their squad.
His press-resistant profile, capable of carrying the ball through midfield, is extremely valuable to a manager who wants to create quick transitions, while Gold also praises his leadership and character.
Whether a place on the tour to New Zealand and Australia translates into genuine first-team involvement remains to be seen.
Competition is fierce, with Fernandes, Tonali, James Maddison, Xavi Simons, Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur all vying for midfield minutes.
But with Bergvall’s future uncertain and De Zerbi clearly willing to give academy players a look, Donley has as good a chance as any to state his case.
