As the 2024‑25 loan cycle closes officially on 1 July 2025, a familiar wave of exits hits Tottenham Hotspur. Fourteen loanees return to North London—some destined for first‑team integration, others navigating the exit door. This annual summer reset marks a pivotal moment in the club’s squad revamp under new head coach Thomas Frank.
Based on Transfermarkt, Tottenham’s loan hierarchy concluded as follows on 30 June 2025:
Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich – front of line) ✅
Kevin Danso (RC Lens – centre‑back)
Timo Werner (RB Leipzig – forward)
Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg, Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon, Alfie Devine, Min‑hyeok Yang, Ashley Phillips, Alejo Veliz, and others like Timo Werner
✍️ Who’s Gone?
Mathys Tel
Bayern’s loanee striker who helped power Spurs to Europa League glory has been acquired on a permanent deal reportedly worth ~£30 million, signing a contract until 2031 . He becomes Frank’s first marquee signing of the summer .
Kevin Danso
Although on loan, Tottenham triggered his £21 million buy option, cementing him as a centre‑back asset .
Timo Werner
Despite contributing to cup success, Werner’s loan expired and he returned to RB Leipzig after 41 appearances and just three goals—a move that the club did not extend .
Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg
Completing a season-long loan at Marseille, Højbjerg has made the move permanent .
Fraser Forster, Alfie Whiteman, Sergio Reguilón
These veteran and backup players were released after their contracts expired on 30 June .
Other Loan Returns & Their Futures
A full breakdown of Tottenham’s returnees and the club’s assessment:
Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon, and Højbjerg are unlikely to be retained, with permanent exits anticipated .
Alejo Veliz, despite potential, didn’t ignite consistency—likely a permanent sale .
Alfie Devine appears in contention for first‑team chances; loan to Sheffield United rumored, but Spurs may keep him to satisfy homegrown requirements .
Ashley Phillips and Alfie Dorrington, standout defenders from Stoke City and Aberdeen, will likely return to the loan market for continued Championship experience .
Min‑hyeok Yang (QPR), Damola Ajayi (Doncaster Rovers), and Manor Solomon will reassess their futures amid competing defender and winger options .
🧩 Strategic Implications for Thomas Frank
1. Younger core formation – With fresh buys like Tel and Danso and the promotion of rising stars (e.g., Vuskovic, Devine), Spurs are cultivating a youthful nucleus under technical director Johan Lange .
2. Wage and squad optimisation – Departures like Forster and Reguilón clear room in salary and squad slots.
3. Loan policy continuity – Repeated loans for Phillips, Dorrington and others reflect a developmental strategy—grafting experience in competitive leagues.
Looking Ahead
Incoming targets: After Tel and Danso, Japan’s centre‑back Kota Takai (signed July 2025) boosts depth .
Pre-season prospects: Frank and coaching staff will trial returning loanees in friendly fixtures. Those excelling may earn places; underwhelming returnees may be sold or sent out again before the summer window closes, likely in August.
Squad trimming: The club remains active—some recruits to possibly replace exit-bound names like Gil, Solomon, Veliz.
Key Departures & Returns Table (1 July 2025)
Player Name Previous Loan Club Status on 1 July 2025
Mathys Tel Bayern Munich Permanent Spurs signing
Kevin Danso RC Lens Permanent Spurs signing
Timo Werner RB Leipzig Returned to RB Leipzig
Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg Marseille Permanent exit
Fraser Forster — Released
Alfie Whiteman — Released
Sergio Reguilón Brentford Released
Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon Girona, Leeds Returned (likely exit)
Alfie Devine, Phillips… Westerlo, Stoke City… Loans ended; future in doubt
