Portsmouth have announced the signing of Tottenham Hotspur youngster Harvey White on loan until the end of the season. The 19-year-old midfielder will wear the number 23 shirt at Fratton Park.
White has found opportunities difficult to come by at Tottenham, having made his first-team debut in November 2020 in a 4-0 home win over Ludgorets in the Europa League.
Tottenham Allow Harvey White to Join Portsmouth
Portsmouth Pushing for Promotion
Portsmouth sit third in the League One table, four points off the top with a game in hand, and look poised for a strong promotion push. White will join a solid midfield and Portsmouth will be hoping that, despite his youth, he will be able to add a sprinkle of quality that is sometimes found lacking.
White is held in very high regard by Tottenham and Jose Mourinho, and this is a move to gain experience with very little chance of extending beyond the summer. Therefore, Portsmouth fans may have to enjoy the twice capped England U18 international while they can.
Speaking to Tottenham’s website after White impressed in Tottenham’s 4-1 friendly win over Reading in August, Mourinho said: “He’s a kid but he’s a talented kid. Is he ready for the responsibilities, for the intensity, for the physicality of the Premier League? No.
“But is he ready to train with us every day to have this evolution and to play in these matches eventually in some official matches where we need to rotate players? Yes, he is, so good for him.”
White Ready to Contribute
Kenny Jacket Happy With White Loan
Portsmouth manager Kenny Jacket will be delighted to have added a player of White’s quality to the ranks. The noises coming from Jackett suggest he’s willing to give the 19-year-old his chance in the Football League
The Pompey boss added: “After breaking through and working with the Tottenham first team over the past year, he’s now 100 per cent ready to feature in the EFL.”
Jackett went on to praise White’s abilities, stating that: “He’s a left-footed player and an excellent footballer. He’s also a set-piece specialist, with a very good range of passing.”
