Tottenham Hotspur have been warned that they must give teenage sensation Luca Williams-Barnett more opportunities with the senior team in the coming weeks, or risk frustrating one of their brightest academy talents.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, believes Spurs could make a serious mistake by raising the 18-year-old’s hopes of breaking into the first team without following through with regular opportunities.
Williams-Barnett impressed during Tottenham’s pre-season campaign, accumulating more than 160 minutes of first-team action. However, his involvement has since been extremely limited, with the attacking midfielder making just one brief appearance in the Carabao Cup before Spurs were eliminated from the competition.
Wyness has described the situation as a “classic mistake”, arguing that Tottenham have shown the youngster a potential pathway into senior football but have failed to give him the opportunities needed to progress.
Widely considered one of the club’s most promising academy graduates, Williams-Barnett is reportedly struggling to establish himself in Roberto De Zerbi’s plans.
🚨 BUNDESLIGA GIANTS CIRCLE AS SPURS FACE A DECISION
Concerns are growing over the teenager’s future, with speculation suggesting that a loan move could be considered ahead of the January transfer window.
Even more concerning for Tottenham, German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have reportedly shown interest in securing his services on a permanent deal.
Wyness believes Spurs could risk upsetting both Williams-Barnett and his representatives if the youngster continues to be overlooked.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he pointed to the midfielder’s pre-season involvement before highlighting the danger of failing to maintain that progress.
He explained that giving a young player a taste of first-team football before leaving him on the sidelines can understandably frustrate the player, his family and his agent.
Wyness also referenced Arsenal’s handling of Max Dowman as an example of a club providing a young prospect with a clear pathway into senior football.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have faced difficulties surrounding academy prospect JJ Gabriel, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that talented youngsters can see a realistic future at their clubs.
Tottenham must now decide whether Williams-Barnett is ready for a bigger role or whether another club could offer him the opportunities he needs.
With the January transfer window approaching and Bundesliga interest reportedly emerging, Spurs may need to act quickly to protect the future of one of their most exciting young talents.
