The Tottenham starlet would love a Stoke City return.
Ashley Phillips has expressed his desire to return to Stoke City next season, though Tottenham may have other plans for the young center-back. After two successful loan spells in the Championship, Phillips has become a regular starter, making a strong case for a spot on the Spurs first team soon.
While he has fond memories of Stoke and mentioned he “would love to” come back, Tottenham’s current situation indicates they might seek solutions within the squad rather than in the transfer market. Here is what Phillips said about a possible return to Stoke via Stoke-on-Trent Live.
“I’d love to. It’s a fantastic club but we’ve got to see how the season finishes and then go from there for next year.”
At just 20 years old, Phillips has already built an impressive career. During his two loan periods at Stoke, he made 71 appearances and has become a reliable figure in the team, despite facing stiff competition earlier this season.
After gradually rejoining the squad, he has started nearly every match since autumn, consistently playing full 90-minute games. Along with his earlier experiences at Blackburn and Plymouth, Phillips is nearing 90 Championship appearances, which is notable for a central defender of his age.
Tottenham need balance
As Spurs head into summer, their defensive situation remains unclear, with uncertainties surrounding several senior center-backs and a general lack of stability. This season’s challenges have shown the need for change, and Phillips could play a role in a long-term rebuilding effort.
Tim Sherwood recently raised concerns about Tottenham not giving more chances to academy players during a tough season, suggesting that if the team struggles, it should do so while nurturing young talent. Phillips fits this idea well. He is not just an untested prospect but a defender who has demonstrated he can handle the demands of senior football.
With possible summer departures, the club cannot assume continuity in defense. Bringing in a young player like Phillips, who understands English football and has already logged significant senior minutes, makes sense both practically and financially. While he may not immediately secure a starting position, he is becoming increasingly ready to compete for one. His last involvement with the first team was in an FA Cup match against Burnley in January 2024.