Spurs defender Phillips returns to Stoke on loan

Ashley Phillips made 39 appearances for Stoke in the 2024-25 season

Stoke City have brought back Tottenham Hotspur's Ashley Phillips for a second season-long loan spell.

The 20-year-old defender made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Potters last term, and had been linked with a move to Championship rivals Sheffield United.

He becomes head coach Mark Robins' fifth summer signing ahead of the new Championship season, which starts at home to Derby County on Saturday, 9 August.

"Being able to bring Ashley back to Stoke City despite plenty of competition is down to him loving his time here last season so much, and a lot of work that took place behind the scenes to make it happen," Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters told the club website.

"To have him playing for us for another season is a significant coup."

Phillips, who is yet to play for the Tottenham first team, said his return to the Potters felt like "unfinished business" and was a "no brainer".

He joins full-back Aaron Cresswell, centre-half Maksym Talovierov, winger Sorba Thomas and striker Divin Mubama as new recruits ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.