Ashley Phillips joins Spurs from Blackburn Rovers

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of 18-year-old centre-back, Ashley Phillips, from Blackburn Rovers on a deal that will keep him at the club until 2028.

Phillips, who started his youth career at National League North side Curzon Ashton, moved to Blackburn Rovers at the age of 12 in 2017.

Showing promise, he rapidly moved through the ranks at the Rovers academy, earning regular play for the Under-18s at just 15 and making his Under-23s debut the next season.

During the 2021/22 season, he made 11 appearances in Premier League 2 and got involved with the first team squad, even making the bench for their FA Cup Third Round tie at Wigan Athletic in January, 2022.

Phillips made his first team debut in a Carabao Cup Fourth Round win over Hartlepool United in August, 2022, becoming the fourth youngest player in Blackburn's history.

His Championship debut followed soon after against West Bromwich Albion. In total, he has made eight first team appearances in the league and another six in cup competitions.

In recognition of his performance, he was awarded the LFE Championship Apprentice of the Season at the end of the 2022/23 season.

On an international level, Phillips has represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 level, and he recently captained the Under-18s against Norway at the International Tournament of Lisbon in June, 2023.

In an interview with SPURSPLAY, Phillips expressed his excitement about his move to Tottenham Hotspur, stating, “It's really amazing (to be here). It's a really massive club. I've always dreamt of being in the Premier League and this is just the start for me. I'm really, really excited to get going. I can't wait to get started!”

Phillips also reflected on his journey thus far, stating, “I was playing grassroots then I got scouted by Blackburn when I was 12 years old; I then worked my way up through the academy system... Being named Apprentice of the Season was a great moment for me and my family. For me, personally, it shows that I've had a good start to football but this is just the start and I want to kick on."