Here’s a tactical‑and‑data-led breakdown of Tottenham’s 2024/25 loanees, with recommendations for 2025/26 under Thomas Frank’s management:
🔹 Jamie Donley (20, CF/AM) – Leyton Orient, League One
2024/25 loan performance: 52 apps, 8 goals in League One, 2,762 minutes, 8 goals, xG 4.04, ~30% shot accuracy.
Tactical notes: Effective off the shoulder and mobile, shows finishing but inconsistent chance creation.
Verdict: He is a Special Talent That Frank could use, but at the very least, a Step up to the Championship
🔹 Dane Scarlett (20, CF) – Oxford United, Championship (loan recall mid‑Jan)
2024/25 loan performance: 22 apps, 4 goals (~800 minutes, mainly sub); Spurs recall citing limited impact
Scored on Europa League cameo.
Tactical notes: Shows strong movement but low involvement and shot frequency.
Verdict: Needs loan to Championship side where he starts—Oxford wasn’t optimum. Could be sold permanently if he is not in Frank’s Plans. Could be used as 3rd third-choice Striker.
🔹 Mikey Moore (19, LW/LM) – Portsmouth (League One)
2024/25 performance: 22 apps, 3 goals, 4 assists
Frank’s evaluation suggests still on the radar. Loan interest remains.
Tactical notes: Direct dribbler, high work rate, decent chance creation.
Verdict: Frank could send him to the Championship for further maturation; still not ready to displace first‑team wingers. But it is likely to be kept around due to club-trained issues.
🔹 Will Lankshear (20, CF) – West Brom (Championship)
2024/25 loan performance: Mid‑season move in Jan; limited minutes; Few starts, slow integration.
Tactical notes: Physically imposing (1.91 m), hold‑up capacity present, finishing still developing.
Verdict: Another Championship loan needed—more minutes essential before pushing for Frank’s squad.
🔹 George Abbott (19, DM/CB) – Notts County, League Two
2024/25 loan performance: 33 apps, 5 goals . Regular minutes, solid defensive output.
Tactical notes: Comfortably transitions between holding midfield and defence; creative threat on set‑pieces.
Verdict: Step up to League One or Championship loan advised. Potential backup under Frank, but needs exposure at higher level.
🔹 Alfie Devine (20, AM) – Westerlo, Belgian Pro League
2024/25 loan performance: 32 apps, 6 goals, Regular starter in top-tier Belgium.
Tactical notes: Creative midfielder with good shooting; slightly inconsistent but adapts across lines.
Verdict: Train with Frank’s first team pre-season. Earned a chance as an impact player—if competition is strong, a move to a top‑tier loan (e.g. Dutch/Championship) could be next.
🔹 Josh Keeley (22, GK) – Leyton Orient, League One
2024/25 loan performance: 36 league apps, 7 cup apps, 1 assist from goal, Clean sheet streak; rare headed equaliser became FA Cup highlight.
Tactical notes: Shows reliability, confidence on crosses, starter-level consistency.
Verdict: Consider as Frank’s third keeper—loan or U21 backup. He’s too valuable to release.
📋 Summary Table
| Player | 24/25 Level | Recommendation 25/26 |
|---|---|---|
| Donley | League One | Pre-season with the first team or Championship Loan |
| Scarlett | Championship | New loan; start Championship |
| Moore | League One | Championship loan |
| Lankshear | Championship | Championship loan |
| Abbott | League Two | Loan to League One/Championship |
| Devine | Belgian 1st tier | Pre-season with the first team or a top-tier loan |
| Keeley | League One | Championship loan, future Keeper depth at Tottenham |
⚽ Tactical Fit with Thomas Frank
Frank favours quick transitions, intelligent positional rotations, and clinical finishing. Players must adapt quickly, press effectively, and contribute on both ends.
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Forwards (Donley, Scarlett, Lankshear) need to deliver consistent goals and link play. Another loan to Championship sides with defined roles will refine tactical sharpness.
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Wide/mid creatives (Moore, Devine) bring promising skills but need exposure to physical leagues. Devine edges towards first-team inclusion; Moore needs a stronger showcase.
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Defensive cover (Abbott, Keeley) benefits from minutes and tactical discipline. Abbott’s ball-playing fits modern DM/CB roles; Keeley can push further up the pecking order.
🔮 Final Outlook
Tottenham should leverage the summer to position these loanees effectively. Those stepping into Championship environments will likely be better prepared for involvement under Frank. Devine and Keeley merit integration or high-standard competition, while the rest must prove readiness through impactful loan spells.
Frank’s squad next season can include a core of homegrown talent—but only if their development aligns with competitive performance.
