Sources: Tottenham explore Williams-Barnett January loan deal

Tottenham Hotspur are contemplating a move to let young attacking midfielder Luca Williams-Barnett head out on loan in January, sources have told Football Insider.

The Lilywhites could potentially open the door for the 18-year-old to head out and gain senior experience, with several clubs already keen on a move.

A whole host of EFL clubs are expected to come to the table for Williams-Barnett if Spurs opt to send him out for the second half of the season.

Sources say that Tottenham's decision will hinge on how many first-team minutes the youngster gets between now and the start of the January window.

Roberto De Zerbi has been reluctant to use the starlet so far in 2026-27, despite him being heavily involved in the first team's pre-season campaign.

Williams-Barnett is regarded as one of Spurs' brightest young talents at the moment, and a pivotal decision over his future could be just around the corner.

Tottenham working on new contract for Luca Williams-Barnett

A loan move could be on the agenda for Williams-Barnett in January, but Tottenham are keen to secure his long-term future before any decision is made.

Football Insider revealed on Monday that the North London outfit are currently in talks with the youngster over a contract extension.

Williams-Barnett only signed his first professional contract in October 2025, but his huge potential has already attracted interest from elsewhere.

The likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are both ready to pounce if the starlet becomes unhappy with his development at Spurs.

However, De Zerbi and Co. are aiming to guard against that by tying him down to a long-term deal, which could then be swiftly followed by a loan exit.

Exposure to regular senior football is vital to the development of all young players, and Williams-Barnett has been unable to get that at Spurs so far in 2026-27.

'Major' Tottenham problem could get Roberto De Zerbi sacked

Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Monday that Tottenham's lack of goal threat is a "major problem" for De Zerbi and could potentially get him sacked if it isn't addressed.

The ex-recruitment man believes that his former club haven't got the results that their performances have warranted so far this term.

However, he is adamant that De Zerbi could ultimately pay with his job if he cannot oversee a turnaround in the team's attacking fortunes.

Spurs have scored just three goals from their opening six Premier League games, and are still waiting for their first win of the campaign.