Tottenham supporters are angry after academy graduate Jamie Donley was sent on loan to Oxford United with a clause allowing the Championship side to sign him permanently in the summer.
Donley enjoyed an impressive spell at Leyton Orient last season, scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists in his first loan away from Spurs. His standout performances in League One attracted interest from several Championship clubs, and he eventually joined Stoke City at the start of this season.
The Northern Ireland midfielder made a positive start at Stoke, registering an assist on his debut, but his involvement quickly faded for unclear reasons. He last featured for the Potters on 21 October, prompting Spurs to cut the loan short and recall him on New Year’s Day before arranging another temporary move, this time to Oxford United.
What has upset Spurs fans most is the structure of the deal. Donley has joined Oxford on loan with an option for the club to buy him permanently. During his time at Stoke, manager Mark Robins gave the 21-year-old just six substitute appearances, only two of which were starts.
A recall had appeared likely, especially after Donley was linked with Bolton Wanderers ahead of the January window. However, he has remained in the Championship with Oxford, who confirmed his arrival on 2 January via X, announcing he had signed on loan with a permanent option.
Donley has long been highly rated by Tottenham fans, with many believing he could eventually break into the first team. The possibility that he could now leave the club for good if he excels at Oxford has sparked frustration, with many supporters questioning why a buy option was included.
Oxford are currently without a manager following the dismissal of Gary Rowett and sit 23rd in the table, facing a serious relegation threat. Reacting online, one Spurs fan wrote: “Why would we include a permanent option? This club is stupid.”
