Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Ashley Phillips is set to join Middlesbrough on a permanent deal, with an initial fee of around £7million, plus up to £13m in potential additional bonuses and add-ons.
What happened?
Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips is set to join Middlesbrough in a £7m deal, with the centre-back's contract due to run until 2028. Phillips, 22, has been on loan at various clubs, including Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City, but has yet to make his senior competitive debut for Tottenham Hotspur.
Why it matters for Tottenham Hotspur
The departure of Phillips marks a significant change in Tottenham Hotspur's centre-back options, with the club having signed centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £52m move this summer. The move could also have implications for Tottenham Hotspur's league position, with the club currently 17th in the Premier League, 41 points behind leaders Arsenal.
What comes next?
The deal is set to be completed once Phillips undergoes a medical and agrees personal terms on a five-year deal. The move would be the second permanent switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Middlesbrough this summer, following striker Will Lankshear, who joined in July.
Tottenham Hotspur's current league standing is 17th in the Premier League, with 41 points from 38 games, and a goal difference of -9. The club is also currently sidelined by injury, with Wilson Odobert out of action.
The deal could rise to just under £25m if all clauses, which are based on appearances, England selection and Everton's qualification for European competition, are met. Middlesbrough have had money to spend this summer after selling midfielder Hayden Hackney to Everton in July. The club are also due a significant sell-on fee from Morgan Rogers' £117m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea, having inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the deal that took the attacking midfielder from Teesside to Villa Park in January 2024.
