Stoke City have confirmed the arrival of attacking midfielder Jamie Donley on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, becoming the Potters’ seventh summer addition ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international joins following a standout season at Leyton Orient, where he scored eight goals and provided a division-high 10 assists to help the O’s reach the League One play-off final. Donley was named Player of the Season at Brisbane Road.
Highly Rated Talent
Donley’s growing reputation was further enhanced by his FA Cup moment of magic in January — a 45-yard left-footed strike that struck the bar before bouncing in off Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. The goal briefly gave Orient the lead in a valiant 2-1 defeat.
Standing at 6ft, Donley combines technical quality with a high work rate and positional intelligence. He’s already featured for Spurs’ senior side, making his Premier League debut in 2023, and was involved throughout their 2025 pre-season tour in Asia.
Stoke’s Statement Signing
“Jamie was one of the standout players in League One last season and naturally attracted attention from multiple Championship clubs,” said Stoke Sporting Director Jonathan Walters.
“That Spurs were happy for him to come here speaks volumes about the work we’ve done with Ashley Phillips and the trust we’ve built. Jamie brings goals, vision, and elite technical execution — he fits the identity we’re building.”
Manager Mark Robins echoed the sentiment: “I called Jamie while he was away on tour and laid out how we play — it clearly resonated. His attitude, energy, and ability will be a real asset to this squad.”
Player Perspective
Donley spoke positively about the move:
“The conversations with the manager really stood out. His approach to improving young players and playing forward-thinking football really suits me.
I had a great loan last year, I know the pressure and responsibility that comes with men’s football now — I want to carry that into the Championship.”
He will wear the number 30 shirt for Stoke this season.
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 League One (Leyton Orient):
• Appearances: 52
• Goals: 8
• Assists: 10
• Minutes played: 4,238
• Goals per 90: 0.17 (65%)
• Assists per 90: 0.21 (89%)
• Shots/90: 2.5 (71%)
• Key passes/90: 2.1 (82%)
• Dribbles completed/90: 1.8 (75%)
• Progressive passes/90: 5.3 (77%)
🟥 ZONE CONFIRMED
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