‘This club is stupid’ – Tottenham fans fume at Thomas Frank ‘sabotage’ after deal is terminated

Tottenham fans are fuming after academy prospect Jamie Donley was allowed to join Oxford United on loan with a permanent option for them to buy him in the summer.

Donley impressed on loan at Leyton Orient last season as he registered eight goals and 11 assists in his first loan away from Tottenham.

His impressive League One performances saw him placed on the radar of numerous Championship teams ahead of this term, with Stoke City chosen as his new team for this campaign in August.

The Northern Ireland playmaker started well as he grabbed an assist on his debut for the club, but seriously struggled for game time after that, for unknown reasons.

Donley last played for the Potters on 21 October, and Spurs terminated the deal by recalling him early on New Year’s Day, before then agreeing a new loan to fellow Championship side Oxford.

Spurs fans are not happy at the structure of the deal.

Donley joins Oxford on loan with an option to buy

Stoke boss Mark Robins only allowed the 21-year-old to make six substitute appearances in his time at the bet365 Stadium, with just two of those being starts.

A recall seemed inevitable as Donley was linked to Bolton Wanderers before the start of the January window, but he has remained in the second tier for now following a move to Oxford.

The U’s announced his arrival on their X page on 2 January, with a post saying: “Welcome, Jamie Donley. We are delighted to announce the signing of Jamie Donley on loan with a permanent option.“

Tottenham fans have raved about Donley in the past, and there have long been high hopes that he could be the next academy product that makes it in their senior side.

The 21-year-old could leave Spurs permanently in the summer if he shines at Oxford, however, and the inclusion of such an option in his loan move has angered many of their supporters.

Tottenham fans fume at Donley deal

Oxford are searching for a new manager right now after Gary Rowett’s sacking, with the threat of relegation to League One looming as they sit 23rd in the second tier right now.

Taking to X to react to the move, one fan asked: “Why would we include a permanent option? This club is stupid.”

While another added: “Stupid, stupid, stupid decision. Donley’s got talent. He could’ve been the one to break through and we give a side likely to be relegated to League 1 a chance to sign him permanently. Seem to be selling the wrong players, mainly attacking ones.”

And one supporter said: “Every day this club does something to depress me. Bring these players in from the academy and then destroy any route to the first time with second-rate international players. How is the club supposed to develop any identity?”

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