With interest in Alfie Devine heating up ahead of the summer transfer window, the on-loan Tottenham star has now addressed speculation surrounding his future.
Tottenham Hotspur will be pleased with the progress being made by on-loan star Alfie Devine, who is currently with Preston North End.
The 21-year-old has been a key player for the Championship side, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in all competitions.
Last time out against QPR, the young midfielder managed an assist, having grabbed a brace against Stoke City the week before.
Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old’s impressive displays have kept several clubs alert, including Premier League sides who are showing an interest in signing Devine.
Alfie Devine addresses his future as Tottenham flirt with relegation
Preston North End are also in the race for Devine, as they have a buy option included in their loan deal. However, the fee of £4.5 million is seen as a major obstacle for the Championship side, who may struggle to meet that valuation.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who is no stranger to loan spells with this being his fourth, has now opened up on his future and the thought process behind his next move.
Speaking to BBC Lancashire, Devine explained that his immediate focus remains on his current club rather than long-term uncertainty.
He said: “I do not really spend that much time thinking about it, to be honest. I think, obviously, keeping an eye on Tottenham’s results and everything to do with that.
“But while I am here, I am just focused on everything that is going on here and then I think football sort of takes care of itself. So, what next season will look like, I cannot really tell you. But I know that I will be pushing for the thing that probably will be the best for me and what I want for myself, not what other people will want for me.
“There is obviously the buy option in the loan and stuff. It is hard to say whether that will happen or that will not happen, because in football things change so fast. I will be sure to pick something that is right for me and if that takes time, then it takes time. I will definitely make sure that the one I pick is obviously picked by myself.”
Devine also reflected on how quickly situations can change in football, stressing the importance of patience when making career decisions.
“Everyone is obviously different as footballers. I think the thing that I have noticed as a person in football, not a player, is that you have to always do what is best for you on the pitch, definitely. You never know what goes on in football. Stuff changes very quickly and it is just about taking your time.”
Spurs loan star Alfie Devine opens up on sacrifices and decision-making
We recently reported that Devine was scouted by Celtic, who are also keen on securing his signature. Such a move will no doubt take the Spurs man farther away from his family and friends.
Continuing to speak about his journey, the Tottenham midfielder discussed the personal sacrifices that come with moving away from home and how those experiences shape his decisions.
“Definitely,” said Devine. “It is not like an important factor but it worked out nice for me this time. Last year, going to Belgium and stuff like that, I was not thinking, ‘Oh, it is miles away from home’. I am going there because I know what is right for my football at the time, in the position I was in. There was only the abroad market open, so that is the only place I could go and I wanted to go out on loan – everything is a football-based decision.”
He then highlighted the off-pitch challenges, explaining the realities of being away from family and friends during key moments.
“I was in London at 15, 16 and would only come back home for summer for maybe a month, five weeks if that. Last year I was in Belgium where I could only see my mates in those eight, nine months about three, four times.
“I think it is the little things that people do not see; you miss out on birthdays, you miss out on family stuff, you miss out on all that stuff when you are away. When you are home you get to do all of that plus your football as well. I think that is what everyone wants. It is not a priority to be at home but when the two and two fell together then it was perfect.”