Tottenham star’s move in danger after medical problem
Ashley Phillips’ proposed permanent move from Tottenham Hotspur to Middlesbrough has been thrown into serious doubt after medical examinations reportedly uncovered unexpected physical concerns.
According to the Daily Mail, the highly rated 21-year-old defender travelled to Teesside after Tottenham and Middlesbrough reached an agreement over a deal that could eventually be worth as much as £20 million. However, the transfer has now been placed on hold after issues were identified during the routine medical process.
Middlesbrough had initially agreed to pay Tottenham around £7 million up front for Phillips, with a series of performance-related bonuses potentially taking the overall value of the transfer to approximately £20m. The two clubs had made significant progress in negotiations, while personal terms over a long-term contract at the Riverside Stadium had also reportedly been agreed.
That appeared to leave the defender with little more to do than complete his medical and put the finishing touches to his move. However, the medical examinations produced unexpected findings, forcing both clubs to pause the transfer while their respective medical teams investigate the situation further.
The development represents a major setback for Middlesbrough, who had identified Phillips as one of their leading defensive targets as they continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Boro have been working on an ambitious summer rebuild under head of football Kieran Scott and manager Kim Hellberg, with the club determined to strengthen their squad and mount a serious challenge for automatic promotion. Phillips was viewed as an important part of those plans, particularly because of his physical presence, defensive ability and experience at Championship level.
The centre-back enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Stoke City last season, making 44 appearances and gaining valuable experience in the Championship. His performances strengthened his reputation as one of Tottenham’s promising young defenders and convinced Middlesbrough that he could become a key figure at the heart of their defence.
Phillips would also have reunited with Tottenham teammate Will Lankshear at Middlesbrough after the forward completed his own move to the club. The prospect of bringing in another Spurs youngster was seen as a major boost to Boro’s recruitment strategy.
For Tottenham, the uncertainty comes at a time when the club are continuing to restructure their squad. Spurs have made several additions during the summer transfer window and are also looking to create room within the squad while generating funds through the permanent departures of players who are not part of their immediate plans.
Phillips’ proposed transfer was therefore expected to provide Tottenham with both a financial boost and a clear pathway for the defender to continue his development elsewhere.
The reported £7m initial fee would also represent a significant profit for Spurs, who signed Phillips from Blackburn Rovers for around £2m in 2023. Tottenham had also negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause as part of the proposed agreement, giving the North London club the potential to benefit financially from any future sale.
However, the medical concerns have now complicated what had appeared to be a straightforward transfer.
Further examinations are reportedly being carried out by medical staff from both clubs to establish exactly what the issue is and whether it could affect Phillips’ ability to complete the move. Until the results are fully assessed, Middlesbrough are understood to be weighing up several possible options.
One possibility could be restructuring the agreement by changing the payment structure or adjusting the performance-related add-ons. Another option could involve Middlesbrough initially taking Phillips on loan with an obligation to make the transfer permanent if certain conditions are met.
If the medical concerns prove too serious, however, Middlesbrough could ultimately decide to abandon the negotiations altogether.
Such an outcome would leave Boro with very little time to find a replacement, particularly with the transfer deadline approaching. The club would then have to move quickly to identify another central defender capable of fitting into Hellberg’s plans and helping them achieve their promotion ambitions.
For Phillips, a collapse of the Middlesbrough transfer would create uncertainty over his next move. The England Under-21 international could be forced to return to Tottenham while the club assesses other options for his future.
With interest potentially coming from other Championship clubs as well as teams elsewhere in Europe, Phillips may still have opportunities to secure a permanent departure from Spurs this summer.
