Stoke City are closing in on the signing of Jamie Donley from Tottenham Hotspur, with the highly-rated 20-year-old set to join on a season-long loan ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
First reported by Journalist Alasdair Gold, Spurs have agreed to send the versatile forward to the bet365 Stadium, where he will continue his development under Mark Robins following an eye-catching spell in League One last season.
Donley Steps up After Standout Season with Leyton Orient
Donley spent the 2024/25 campaign with Leyton Orient, where he played a key role in their push to the play-off final. Operating primarily as a playmaker, he racked up an impressive 10 assists and 8 goals from 42 appearances (34 starts), making him the joint-top assist provider in the division.
Although Orient narrowly missed out on promotion after losing to Charlton Athletic at Wembley, Donley’s creativity and maturity caught the attention of clubs higher up the pyramid. Stoke have now won the race for his signature, seeing off interest from elsewhere in the Championship, including West Bromwich Albion, managed by former Spurs coach Ryan Mason.
A Smart Addition to Robins’ Rebuilt Squad
This move marks another strategic addition for Stoke, who have been busy in their first summer window under Mark Robins. The Potters have already brought in Maksym Taloverov, Aaron Cresswell, Robert Bozenik, Sorba Thomas, and secured Divin Mubama on loan.
Donley’s arrival adds something different, a technically gifted, attack-minded player with a sharp eye for a pass and growing composure in front of goal. For a side looking to be more incisive in the final third, it’s a move that makes a lot of sense.
With the new season kicking off this weekend against Derby County at home, Robins will hope to have the Tottenham loanee involved quickly as part of his reshaped forward options.
Donley Ready for the Next Step
While Thomas Frank, now in charge of Spurs, opted to take a closer look at Donley during pre-season before sanctioning any move, the decision has now been made to send him on loan to the Championship.
The England youth international is under contract with Tottenham until 2027 and remains a long-term project for the Premier League side. But his switch to Stoke is seen as an ideal next step in his development, offering a platform to test himself against stronger opposition in a more physically demanding division.
Robins’ track record with young players is strong, and this loan spell could be instrumental in Donley’s progression, particularly if he can adapt quickly to the tempo and intensity of Championship football.
Site Opinion
This deal looks a win-win. Donley gets the Championship experience he needs, Spurs get one of their brightest prospects tested in a competitive environment, and Stoke gain a creative spark who can unlock defences and link midfield to attack.
Robins has made intelligent, low-risk moves this summer, blending youth and experience to reshape the squad in his image. Donley, with his vision and flair, adds another dimension to that approach and should excite Stoke fans as the new campaign begins.
If he hits the ground running, the Potters may have secured one of the loan coups of the summer.
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