Tottenham fans are seething after highly rated academy prospect Jamie Donley was loaned out to Oxford United, with the agreement controversially containing a permanent transfer option.
Donley caught the eye during an impressive loan spell at Leyton Orient last season, where he scored eight goals and delivered 11 assists in his first temporary move away from Spurs, quickly enhancing his reputation.
Those League One displays drew strong interest from a number of Championship clubs ahead of the new campaign, and he eventually joined Stoke City in August. The Northern Ireland midfielder made an encouraging start by setting up a goal on his debut, but his opportunities soon became scarce for unclear reasons.
His last appearance for Stoke came on 21 October, leading Tottenham to recall him on New Year’s Day before sanctioning another loan move, this time to Championship strugglers Oxford United.
At the bet365 Stadium, Stoke boss Mark Robins used Donley sparingly, limiting him to six substitute outings, only two of which were starts. With his role clearly restricted, a recall felt inevitable, despite earlier links with Bolton Wanderers, and Donley has remained in the second tier following his switch to Oxford.
Oxford confirmed the deal on 2 January via X, stating: “Welcome, Jamie Donley. We are delighted to announce the signing of Jamie Donley on loan with a permanent option.”
Spurs supporters have long held Donley in high regard, many believing he had the qualities to become the next academy graduate to break into the first team. However, the inclusion of a buy option in the Oxford agreement has infuriated fans, as it creates a pathway for a permanent exit if he thrives.
Oxford are currently managerless after the sacking of Gary Rowett and sit 23rd in the Championship, locked in a relegation fight — a situation that has only deepened supporter anger.
Reacting on X, one fan wrote: “Why on earth would we agree to a permanent option? This club is clueless.” Another added: “A stupid, stupid decision. Donley has real talent. He could’ve made it here, and now a relegation-threatened club can sign him permanently.”
A third supporter summed up the frustration: “Every day this club finds a new way to drain the joy out of supporting it. We develop players, then block their progress with average signings. How is any identity supposed to form?”
