Tottenham completed under the radar deadline‑day deal for Chelsea ace | Football | Sport

Tottenham completed a late transfer swoop from their rivals Chelsea, signing youngster Joel Vidal-Philbert for their academy. The 17-year-old had been in Chelsea’s ranks since his under-15 year and made his debut in the under-18 Premier League last season.

A club statement read: “We’re delighted to announce the signing of Joel Vidal-Philbert, who joins our Academy from Chelsea. The 17-year-old winger, with the Blues since his Under-15 year, made his Under-18 Premier League debut last season while still a schoolboy and scored his first goal at that level against Brighton & Hove Albion in January, 2025. An England Under-16 international, he went full-time at Chelsea last summer and links up with our Under-18s squad at Hotspur Way. Welcome, Joel!”

Spurs were among the livelier sides in the early stages of the window, bringing in Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and Souza from Santos, before abruptly slamming on the brakes. When Tottenham learned that Rodrigo Bentancur would miss the rest of the season through injury, Fabio Paratici who has now departed, and Johan Lange moved quickly in search of a new midfielder.

In addition to Gallagher and Souza, the club chiefs also brought in Mason Melia, Elisha Sowunmi, Alfie Dorrington, James Wilson and Vidal‑Philbert. Meanwhile, 11 players left the club this month, either on loan or on permanent deals.

In addition to Vidal-Philbert, Spurs beat Arsenal to the signature of Hearts youngster Wilson on loan. The Gunners had opened talks for the 18‑year‑old over the weekend, as was confirmed by Hearts boss Derek McInnes, but he has chose to join the Lilywhites instead.

Although Thomas Frank is short on attacking options, the expectation is that Vidal-Philbert and Wilson will link up with Spurs’ academy team. Spurs face Manchester United on Saturday as the under-pressure Frank looks to help his side climb the Premier League table.