A quick snoop around social media on Wednesday night would've led you to believe that Tottenham had let a superstar slip through their fingers.
Fortunately, Dane Scarlett's move to Hibernian is only temporary, and Hibs supporters are already cursing the day they'll have to let him return.
Scarlett rose to prominence in north London on a record-breaking debut amid a glowing endorsement from then-manager José Mourinho. The former boss, who's still working his magic in Lisbon, said of the young striker: "He is a diamond, a kid with incredible potential.
"He is going to be a fantastic player, and I hope everything around him goes well."
Scarlett hasn't yet emerged as a first-team regular at his boyhood club, but there have been flashes of the talent Mourinho drooled over five years ago. The club, despite some poor management to date, haven't yet given up on the striker. A few loans haven't worked out, but could it be this one, Grandma?
Dane Scarlett earns widespread praise on Hibernian debut
Dane Scarlett is a proper player btw 👍🏼
— Hibs Central (@HibsCentral) February 4, 2026
Despite Spurs opting against replacing Brennan Johnson, then losing both Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison to injury in January, the club were happy to let Scarlett go out on loan again until the end of the season.
The EFL hadn't proved fruitful for the 21-year-old, so we sent him north, beyond Hadrian's Wall and up to Edinburgh. Easter Road will be Scarlett's home for the next few months, and his time in Scotland has started rather well.
He made his full Hibernian debut on Wednesday night in a 3-2 win over Dundee United, teeing up captain Martin Boyle for the opening goal. However, it wasn't merely this sequence that left Hibs fans excited. Scarlett's 63 minutes were, all things considered, class. I've seen the compilation. Supporters are smitten: "Touch like Berbatov," one said on X, "A class act and a level above," another wrote. The praise was lofty.
Dane Scarlett - looks a class act & a level above. Massive player for the second half of the season. #GGTTH
— Hibs News (@HibsNews1875) February 4, 2026
And given that Scarlett tends to look bright on his rare opportunities in Lilywhite, you do wonder whether Spurs have made an error by letting him go, given Frank's depleted ranks in attack. The Dane turned to the academy graduate before Randal Kolo Muani at Burnley a couple of weeks back, so there was certainly scope for chances to head Scarlett's way over the coming weeks.
However, it also looks like the Englishman could develop into a gem in Scotland. Mikey Moore's enjoyed his time at Rangers since Danny Röhl took over, and the reduced quality should help Scarlett find his feet at the senior level.
Minutes are key for the 21-year-old, and it looks like he'll get plenty between now and the end of the season.