Tottenham Hotspur youngster Alfie Devine is set for a pivotal summer at the club, with his future potentially hanging in the balance despite an impressive loan spell at Plymouth Argyle, according to former Spurs player Alan Hutton.
Devine, 19, initially enjoyed a successful loan stint at Port Vale in League One, where he made 23 appearances and scored three goals. He then moved to Plymouth Argyle for the remainder of the season, where he has made six appearances and provided two assists in the Championship.
While Devine’s performances have garnered praise, Hutton believes that the midfielder will need to impress manager Ange Postecoglou during Tottenham’s pre-season fixtures to secure a future at the club.
Hutton emphasized the importance of Devine showcasing his abilities during pre-season to convince Postecoglou of his worthiness for a spot in the first-team squad. Failure to do so could see Devine being either moved on or sent out on loan again by Tottenham.
The former Spurs player acknowledged the challenges Devine faces in breaking into a midfield already packed with talent, including the likes of James Maddison and Pape Sarr. However, he also highlighted Devine’s potential, evident from his loan performances, and the importance of seizing the opportunity during pre-season.
Ultimately, Hutton suggested that Devine’s future at Tottenham hinges on his ability to make a strong impression in the upcoming pre-season fixtures, emphasizing the significance of this period in determining his fate at the club.