Players being loaned out by Tottenham rarely make the grade and return to the fold in N17. Alfie Devine joined Preston on August 8, 2025, with the deal including an option to buy, though the fee is reportedly beyond Preston’s financial reach.
Devine, who signed a new contract with Spurs until 2027 before the loan, has certainly impressed at Deepdale, so far.
Some fans may recall that Academy star Devine has actually played for us. Tottenham signed him for £300,000 in 2020. He made history as Tottenham’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer at 16, scoring in a 5–0 FA Cup win over Marine in January 2021.
Alfie has had previous loan spells at Port Vale (26 appearances, 3 goals), Plymouth Argyle in the Championship, where he made 15 appearances, and Westerlo in the Belgian Pro League where he made 32 appearances and scored 6 times.
Devine’s loan at Preston is seen as a chance to prove himself in the Championship, a level where he feels he can make a significant impact after limited success at Plymouth. His early performances suggest he could be a key player for Preston, who are currently among the division’s high-flyers.
Is there a future at Spurs for Devine?
The Lewis family has emphasised a long-term commitment to Tottenham, rejecting takeover bids from Amanda Staveley’s ‘consortium’, stating the club is “not for sale.” CEO Vinai Venkatesham, appointed in April 2025, has highlighted the family’s ambition to prioritise on-pitch success for both the men’s and women’s teams, backed by the threat of over £100 million in investment.
Given the questionable nature of Daniel Levy’s activities towards the end of his tenure (trying to sell the club, perhaps without the Lewis Family being entirely in the picture), the ENIC regime may take a more pragmatic approach to youth players and not seek to loan them out until some cash sticks to them.
There is also another factor to consider, namely the influence and management style of Thomas Frank, who is certainly making more favourable overtures to youth players than Ange Postecoglou ever did.
The future could be bright for the boy Devine.
