Tottenham’s midfield has been completely reshaped this summer.
Sandro Tonali arrived from Newcastle United and Matheus Fernandes from West Ham United, two key investments in the middle of the park that instantly raised the bar for anyone wanting to break into Roberto De Zerbi’s engine room.
At the same time, one of the club’s brightest young players, Lukas Bergvall, is likely to leave, while Preston North End have signed Alfie Devine on a permanent contract.
Between the incoming firepower and departing young talent, De Zerbi’s midfield structure suddenly looks more centered around top-level experience than youthful vigor.
However, the manager has a reputation for linking the academy with senior football, and set a steady path for developing some incredible talent during his time at Brighton.
Following the rise of Evan Ferguson and Jack Hinshelwood, Seagulls Under-21s coach Shannon Roos said: “Roberto is keen to promote from within and there are no age barriers.”
“It takes a lot of courage and belief to have that outlook at the highest level, and the players are very encouraged to see their teammates step up.”
And despite undergoing a recent overhaul of Tottenham’s midfield, De Zerbi doesn’t seem to have given up on his kids just yet.
Jamie Donley on the brink of breakthrough for Tottenham
Alasdair Gold, who has been keeping a close eye on Spurs’ academy for many years, reports that 21-year-old Jamie Donley caught the eye of De Zerbi in the early weeks of pre-season.
“Jamie Donley has impressed Roberto de Zerbi so far in pre-season and understands he is very likely to join us on the tour to New Zealand and Australia.
“I can see why. Another player I’ve followed over the years and interviewed over the years spent a lot of time on.
“He’s got a lot of ability, a bit of left-foot flair. I can see why De Zerbi likes him, because he can be a No. 8, he can be a No. 10, and obviously De Zerbi himself was a former No. 10.
“He was very creative and looked very fit and sharp in training.”
Donley has been in Tottenham’s youth team since 2013, and made four appearances for the first team in the 2023-24 season, including making his Premier League debut as a substitute against Manchester City.
Since then, he has gone on loan three times to Leyton Orient, Stoke City and Oxford United, but was unable to break into the starting XI, gaining senior experience in League One and the Championship.
His most high-profile moment was probably in the FA Cup game against Orient against Manchester City, when a 50-yard speculation forced Stefan Ortega into his own goal.
Who said that? | Why Jamie Donley is one of Tottenham’s brightest young players |
|---|---|
Former Man City manager Josep Guardiola | “When you concede that goal, you just congratulate the player. I think it was Donley. He’s a great left-footed player.” |
Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens | “Spurs have loaned us one of their best young players and if he continues to do that he will be playing against[Premier League teams]every week.” |
Tottenham academy journalist John Wenham | “Jamie was one of the few players who was on loan last season and seems to be continuing to train with the first team rather than the U21s or RDZ, but they seem to be evaluating him. |
A left-footed attacking midfielder who relies more on intelligence than pace, Donley switched internationals from England to Northern Ireland in 2025 and became a regular in the team.
His strong pressing profile, which allows him to carry the ball into midfield, makes him extremely valuable to managers looking to create quick transitions, and Gold also praises his leadership and personality.
It remains to be seen whether appearances on tours to New Zealand and Australia will lead to genuine first-team involvement.
Competition is fierce, with the likes of Fernandes, Tonali, James Maddison, Xavi Simmons, Conor Gallagher and Rodrygo Bentancur vying for minutes in midfield.
But with Bergvall’s future uncertain and De Zerbi clearly willing to turn to academy players, Donley has a golden opportunity to make his case.
