Celtic have been strongly linked with a potential move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine, with reports indicating that personal terms have been agreed between the player and the Scottish champions.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a standout loan season last term at Preston North End, where he managed 48 appearances for the club. In that period, he scored eight goals and provided eight assists, proving himself as a dynamic box-to-box presence in the Championship.17
It is being claimed that Spurs are open to allowing their academy graduate to move on permanently this summer. Preston North End, the Lilywhites, are keen to make his stay at Deepdale permanent, with a clause reportedly around £4.5m-£6m already inserted into his initial loan deal. However, recent developments suggest Preston have triggered their option, but the final decision may rest with the player amid interest from multiple clubs.3
Football London and other sources report that Celtic are one of as many as eight clubs circling Devine. The list includes recently relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, who could offer Premier League football, as well as other Championship sides eager to secure his signature.0
Devine now looks likely to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer as the transfer window officially opens in the coming weeks. The Hoops are keeping a very close eye on the situation and appear well-positioned to make a concrete move.
Celtic’s Summer Rebuild and the Need for a No.8
As we exclusively reported earlier via CeltsAreHere, Celtic are targeting as many as six new signings before the new campaign kicks off. One key area of focus is strengthening the central midfield, specifically a dynamic box-to-box No.8 who can contribute both defensively and in the final third.
While Devine arguably does his best work in the attacking areas of the pitch, he has shown a willingness to put in the hard yards and cover ground. This balanced profile would perfectly suit the demands of Brendan Rodgers’ (or the current managerial setup’s) system at Parkhead, especially with uncertainty surrounding key players like Reo Hatate.
The Japanese international has fallen down the pecking order at Celtic and could be tempted by a fresh challenge elsewhere. His potential departure would create a significant void in midfield that Devine could help fill.
Devine’s Impressive Rise and Tottenham Background
Alfie Devine joined Tottenham from Wigan Athletic in 2020 for a modest fee and quickly made history. He became the youngest player and goalscorer in Spurs’ history at just 16 years and 163 days old when he netted on his debut against Marine in the FA Cup in January 2021.
Despite his early promise, first-team opportunities at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have been limited. Under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, who helped the club narrowly avoid relegation last season, the focus is shifting towards more experienced and established stars. This situation plays directly into Celtic’s hands.27
Celtic can offer Devine regular first-team football in a competitive environment, plus the glamour of Champions League nights at Celtic Park. Preston, while a solid Championship side, cannot match that European platform, which could prove decisive in any negotiations.
Financial Aspects and Deal Structure
One of the major appeals for Celtic is the potential structure of any deal. Football London claim that Devine’s price could be paid up in instalments, possibly facilitated through Preston’s involvement or direct negotiations with Tottenham. Given Celtic’s historical caution with high lump-sum transfer fees, this staggered payment option would likely appeal to the club’s board.7
Current reports place Devine’s valuation in the region of £5m-£6m, which would represent excellent value for a player with his potential and recent performances. For context, this would not break Celtic’s transfer record but would still be a significant investment in a young, homegrown talent from a Premier League club.25
Why Devine Fits the Celtic Project
Beyond the numbers, Devine’s style of play aligns well with what Celtic fans crave. He is technically gifted, capable of driving forward with the ball, and possesses a keen eye for goal from midfield. His 8 goals and 8 assists in 48 appearances last season demonstrate his end product, while his work rate ensures he won’t be a defensive liability.
At 21, he still has significant room for development. Playing in front of passionate Celtic supporters could accelerate that growth. The move would also represent a step up in his career trajectory after successful loans at clubs like Port Vale, Plymouth Argyle, and Westerlo in previous seasons.
Competition remains fierce, however. Wolverhampton Wanderers, now in the Championship after relegation, see Devine as a player who could help them bounce back immediately. Other clubs are monitoring the situation closely, meaning Celtic will need to act decisively if they are serious about securing his signature.
What the Future Holds
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, the coming days and weeks will be critical. If personal terms have indeed been agreed, as per the latest reports, it could fast-track negotiations between the clubs.
For Celtic, landing Devine would send a strong statement of intent as they prepare for another tilt at the Scottish Premiership title and a deep run in European competition. For Devine, it offers a platform to showcase his talents on a bigger stage and potentially force his way into Gareth Southgate’s or the new England setup’s thinking at youth and senior levels.
Tottenham, meanwhile, will look to recoup funds from academy products to reinvest in their own squad as they aim for a stronger Premier League campaign under De Zerbi.
