Why Tottenham have sold young star Tynan Thompson as Manchester United seal transfer coup

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Evening Standard

20 July 2026

England Under-18s winger was one of the most highly-regarded talents in Tottenham’s academy

Tottenham

have confirmed a deal with

Manchester United

over the sale of academy winger

Tynan Thompson

Standard Sport

understands that United are set to pay £8million (£4m up front and a further £4m in add-ons) for Thompson, who was named in Spurs’ first-team matchday squad on three occasions last season.

Tottenham retain matching rights and a 20 per cent sell-on clause for Thompson, who expressed his desire to relocate due to personal family circumstances.

Thompson, who was one of the most highly-regarded talents in Spurs’ academy, signed maiden professional terms with the north London club in May 2025.

He scored 13 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for Tottenham’s youth teams last season, including seven goals in as many UEFA Youth League games.

Spurs have been busy in the summer transfer window so far

, spending in excess of £200m as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to overhaul the squad ahead of his first full season in charge.

They broke their club transfer record twice in a matter of days to seal the arrivals of midfield duo Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, who joined for £100m and £85m respectively.

Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke arrived from Brighton for £52m, while Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka all joined on free transfers.

There have also been a number of outgoings too, with

Luka Vuskovic joining Brighton for £50m

, while Radu Dragusin has signed for Serie A club Fiorentina on loan with an obligation to buy for around £21m.

Striker Alejo Veliz has completed a permanent switch to Brazilian club Bahia, while Yves Bissouma was one of 11 players to be released at the end of their contracts as loanees Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha also returned to Juventus and Bayern Munich respectively.

Thompson is the latest academy player to leave

Spurs

this summer after midfielder Alfie Devine sealed a permanent £6m move to Championship side Preston earlier this month.

Spurs sources state that they are keen to maximise sales this summer,

having struggled to command fair market value for their players in recent years.

Lucas Bergvall has expressed his desire to leave the club

, as he believes he will not get the playing time he wants under De Zerbi next season.

Spurs have rejected bids from both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle for the Swedish midfielder, who has been left frustrated ahead of his return for pre-season training this week.

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