There has been plenty of excitement around a busy summer transfer window. But Tottenham must not forget the exciting prospects coming through their academy.Spurs youngsters getting a taste of first-team football is an important thing to Tottenham fans. It was a key concern raised by the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust earlier in 2026 under Thomas Frank.So, who could stake a claim in pre-season for a first-team role under Roberto De Zerbi? Failing that, though, who needs to be playing regular first-team football to kick on in their development? We take a look at five prospects ready to take that next step.Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / InstagramMikey Moore needs one last big-name Tottenham loanMikey Moore feels like the crown jewel among Tottenham‘s youngsters. That makes it all the more important that nothing stifles his development.The 18-year-old left Spurs for the first time last season for a loan to Rangers. Moore played 47 times in total across all competitions, scoring seven goals and notching four assists. Moore won Rangers’ Young Player of the Year Award, as well as the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year.So, what next?The plan appears for Moore to go out on loan again for the 2026-27 season. The prospect of a switch to Borussia Dortmund, as rumoured, is an exciting one. Other English youngsters, such as Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, have taken massive steps with Dortmund. Could Moore be next? Either way, a move to a top European league appears an ideal next step. That would surely pave the way for Moore to become a central part of Tottenham’s plans going forward. Callum Olusesi impressed for Spurs last seasonCallum Olusesi made something of a first-team breakthrough last season. He made appearances against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Liverpool in the Premier League.Now, heading into a new campaign, it seems right for the 19-year-old to take the next step. More regular first-team football is surely now needed. A centre midfielder, Olusesi is able to receive the ball under pressure and beat the press. That’s something Roberto De Zerbi likes from his midfielders. Olusesi will likely have a chance to stake a claim as Tottenham head to Australia and New Zealand on tour. Should it be decided he’s not quite ready for a first-team role, then a loan move to a possession-heavy side seems an ideal way to see what he’s capable of and continue his development.Will Lankshear could be a Tottenham starter in a year or twoWill Lankshear joined Tottenham from Sheffield United in 2022 and has made first-team appearances for the club.It seems unlikely, though, that Lankshear would be part of Roberto De Zerbi’s first-team thinking for 2026-27. Another loan, therefore, surely beckons for the 21-year-old, following spells with West Bromwich Albion and, most recently, Oxford United.Despite Oxford’s relegation, Lankshear was voted their Young Player of the Season and scored 11 goals. There have already been reported moves from Wolves, Southampton and Sporting for Lankshear but so far Spurs have held firm in refusing a sale. A lot seems to depend on what happens with their forward line this summer, with Lankshear set to have the chance to impress Roberto De Zerbi.But, should it be decided his future is away from the club this summer, a move to a team challenging for promotion in the Championship or in the top leagues across Europe appears the best bet. An environment where the striker can thrive and show what he’s capable of in an upwardly mobile team is key for him to take his next step forward.Credit: @myho_0218 / InstagramMason Melia needs a Championship loanMason Melia agreed a move to Tottenham in February 2025, with the contract itself commencing from January 2026. An all-round striker, with power, speed and excellent finishing, Melia was playing first-team football for St Patrick’s Athletic before his move to Spurs. He’s also made two appearances for the Republic of Ireland senior team, too.With a strong build and almost 100 appearances for St Pat’s, playing mostly in Tottenham’s U21 side would represent a step backwards. Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly planning on taking a closer look at Melia as Spurs jet out to New Zealand and Australia for their pre-season tour. It feels like a shop window for the Irishman, either for the Italian’s first-team thinking, or a loan move elsewhere.Does the Championship feel like an ideal proving ground? Shane Long believes so. Europe? Or even a newly promoted Premier League side?Tynan Thompson is the kind of winger Tottenham are missingWinger, Tynan Thompson is another exciting prospect in Tottenham’s academy ranks.Last season saw Thompson impressively score seven goals in seven games in the UEFA Youth League. He finished the campaign with 13 goals and six assists across 26 games in all competitions, stepping up to the U21s for the first time.With quick feet, a physical presence and excellent movement, there is already a lot to like about Thompson’s game. With wingers a key part of Roberto De Zerbi’s system, giving Thompson a chance to impress in pre-season would seem the move.If not deemed ready, though, a temporary move elsewhere makes sense. Thompson has already proven himself across the various age groups, regular first-team football would now be the most beneficial step.READ MORE: Five exciting Tottenham academy stars who are ready to break through in 2026/27The post Five Tottenham youngsters who need a big catapulting loan move next season appeared first on Spurs Web.