Ashley Phillips’ move to Middlesbrough in danger of collapsing due to medical concerns | OneFootball

Ashley Phillips’ proposed permanent transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Middlesbrough is in serious jeopardy after medical examinations flagged unexpected physical concerns, according to the Daily Mail.

Middlesbrough had agreed a financial package with Tottenham worth an initial £7 million, with performance-related add-ons potentially pushing the deal to £20m. Personal terms on a long-term contract at the Riverside Stadium were finalised, allowing the 21-year-old England Under-21 defender to travel to Teesside for a medical.

However, routine medical tests uncovered unforeseen complications, immediately putting the deal on hold while both medical teams review the results.

This development is a major setback for both clubs. Middlesbrough had identified Phillips as a key defensive target to cap an ambitious summer overhaul led by head of football Kieran Scott and manager Kim Hellberg. After signing Spurs teammate Will Lankshear, Boro viewed Phillips, who impressed during 44 appearances on loan at Stoke City, as a physical centre-back capable of anchoring their backline for an automatic promotion push.

With Spurs restructuring their squad after several summer additions, the club hierarchy has actively cleared space and raised capital by sanctioning permanent exits for young talent. Spurs had secured a valuable 20% sell-on clause alongside the £7m valuation, representing a substantial return on the £2m fee paid to Blackburn Rovers in 2023.

Medical staff at Middlesbrough and Tottenham are conducting further evaluations to clarify the severity of the issue. Boro officials are considering whether to restructure the deal, potentially adjusting payment terms, altering add-on triggers, or shifting to an initial loan with a conditional obligation to buy, or to withdraw from negotiations entirely.

If the move collapses, Middlesbrough will need to pivot quickly to alternative central defensive targets before the transfer deadline. Meanwhile, Phillips would return to London, leaving his immediate future uncertain as Tottenham consider other suitors across the Championship and Europe.