Tottenham's greatest-ever player might be one of their own, but the club, in general, haven't been too proficient at astutely harnessing the development of academy graduates.
Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp represent more modest success stories in contemporary times, with our overall track record pretty grim. However, there's hope, off the back of Fabio Paratici's work at Hotspur Way, that Spurs' academy is on the come-up once more.
There's been tangible success in terms of silverware, but it's time for Spurs to start bringing through their own as the likes of their fiercest London rivals have done or are doing. I'm sick of hearing about Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, let alone Max Dowman.
The latest Lilywhite generation offers salvation, and there's no brighter spark than 17-year-old Mikey Moore. The maverick teenager became Spurs' youngest Premier League appearance-maker at the back-end of 2023/24 and scored his first goal for the club earlier this year on what was a special night for the club's burgeoning academy.
Some regard Moore as Spurs' finest prospect since Kane, although it's worth noting that our all-time record goalscorer was no superstar in his youth. He was somewhat of a late bloomer, and had to work incredibly hard to eventually blossom into an all-time great.
Tottenham have nailed Mikey Moore's loan destination
Tottenham forward Mikey Moore is expected to join Rangers on a season-long-loan deal.
— Michael Bridge (@MichaelBridge_) July 28, 2025
Straight loan.
Moore chose Rangers despite several offers in the Championship.
(W/ @SahilJaidka)
Moore played sporadically for Ange Postecoglou last season, with his momentum thwarted by a mystery illness which kept him out for a frustratingly long period. However, the teenager's talent was laid bare in Europa League outings against Ferencvaros and AZ Alkmaar, with Moore grabbing both contests, particularly the latter, by the scruff of the neck.
He's a scrappy but contradictory silky operator who has operated from both flanks at the start of his senior career. Moore's determined ball-carrying is his USP, and the 17-year-old's eye for goal was often on display at youth level.
There's reason to believe he will blossom into something majestic, but Moore isn't there yet. Further development and maturation are required before he can be relied upon at senior level.
Impressively, Moore himself has pushed for a loan move away this summer in order to receive regular first-team opportunities. Sky Sports' Michael Bridge is among those to report that the young playmaker will spend next season at Scottish giants Rangers, having turned down multiple offers from Championship clubs.
The English second tier was regarded as the ideal for many supporters, with the rough and tumble supplied by EFL veterans best preparing Moore for the rigours of Premier League football futher down the line. I see the appeal, but the 17-year-old's move to Glasgow should also excite.
Moore may not be facing up against high-quality opposition every week, but he's joining a historic club that are set to be in Europe next season, potentially the Champions League. Moreover, he'll experience perhaps the fiercest rivalry the sport has to offer in the Old Firm Derby, with Russell Martin's 'Gers aiming to usurp Celtic in the Scottish Premiership next season after years of green and white supremacy.
Martin will aim to instil a possession-heavy style that will suit Moore, who loves having the ball at his feet and expressing himself. Martin was a huge admirer of Tyler Dibling at Southampton, and Moore, profile-wise, isn't drastically different. I can see the new Rangers boss quickly trusting the Tottenham loanee.
Exposure is key for Moore at this stage, and we can only hope the teenager rises to the challenge of representing a grand institution up in Glasgow. Big European nights and Old Firms beckon for the 17-year-old, things no Championship club could supply.