Tottenham chiefs exploring “special” player’s exit if De Zerbi doesn’t unleash him soon
Tottenham have shown significant signs of improvement in attack over their last two Premier League matches, and Roberto De Zerbi could soon have another exciting option available to strengthen his side.
Spurs failed to score in their opening four league games of the season, but have since found the net three times against Aston Villa and Manchester United, creating a combined 3.19 expected goals (xG) across those two fixtures.
However, Tottenham remain without a league victory, with their struggles in front of goal continuing despite an increase in chances created.
Dominic Solanke was particularly wasteful against United before eventually rescuing a point with a dramatic late equaliser, beating Lisandro Martinez to meet Sandro Tonali’s cross.
“I missed a few chances, could have had probably three goals, so I really wanted to get on the end of one,” the 29 year-old said.
“When you’re a striker and you miss a few chances, it’s easy to not want to keep getting in the right positions, but I wanted to keep going.”
Tottenham could also receive a significant creative boost from James Maddison’s return from injury, while De Zerbi has suggested that highly rated youngster Luca Williams-Barnett is approaching the point where he deserves more first-team opportunities.
The Italian has previously described the 18-year-old as a “special player”, although he has also emphasised the importance of managing his development carefully.
“I’m thinking. I’m thinking, because he’s another special player. But he’s very young, and the management of the very, very young players is very complicated,” De Zerbi said.
“Because sometimes you want to be the good of the players, of you, but you are not doing the good of the player. But I think he arrived [at] the moment when Luca would play because he’s special.
“Special talent. Special personality also, because he’s arrogant, but arrogant good for football because you have to believe in yourself. Not forgetting to be humble. Humility but believe in yourself, and the right example is Luca.”
De Zerbi believes Williams-Barnett can operate in several attacking positions, adding: “[His best position is] number 10 but also as a winger, because he has the physical qualities to play as a winger.”
However, Tottenham could soon face an important decision over the youngster’s immediate future if he continues to struggle for opportunities.
Tottenham considering Luca Williams-Barnett January loan exit
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Tottenham are weighing up whether to allow Williams-Barnett to spend the second half of the campaign away from North London.
Several EFL sides have already shown an interest in taking the attacking midfielder on loan, with further enquiries anticipated should Spurs make him available in January.
Crucially, Tottenham have not yet decided whether to sanction a temporary departure. Instead, the club intend to assess Williams-Barnett’s involvement over the coming weeks before determining whether he would benefit more from remaining in De Zerbi’s squad or gaining regular experience elsewhere.
That places considerable importance on the teenager’s opportunities between now and the winter transfer window, particularly after his impressive involvement during pre-season failed to translate into regular competitive appearances.
Despite being highly regarded at Tottenham, Williams-Barnett is still awaiting his Premier League debut, with De Zerbi so far taking a cautious approach to introducing him into the first team.
A January loan could therefore become increasingly likely if the manager does not give him meaningful minutes before the window opens.
Tottenham working on new Williams-Barnett contract amid Bayern interest
Despite the possibility of a temporary departure, Tottenham remain determined to keep Williams-Barnett at the club for the foreseeable future.
As previously reported by Football FanCast, Spurs have opened discussions over a new contract for the academy graduate amid growing interest from European heavyweights.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are both monitoring the youngster’s progress, with the Bundesliga giants potentially ready to capitalise should he become frustrated by his lack of opportunities.
Williams-Barnett only signed his first professional contract in October 2025, but Tottenham are already seeking to reward his development with improved terms.
The teenager is considered one of the club’s most promising academy products, but Spurs must now balance their desire to protect his long-term future with the need to ensure he continues progressing.
A new contract followed by a January loan could provide a solution, although Williams-Barnett still has time to convince De Zerbi that he deserves a more prominent role in North London.
