Jose Mourinho once branded Oliver Skipp, a new Charlton Athletic signing, as Tottenham Hotspur’s future.

The Portuguese coach takes over the Premier League club in November 2019, succeeding Mauricio Pochettino following a dismal start to the new season.

He managed 86 games as manager of the London club before being fired only days before an EFL Cup final against Manchester City.

The 63-year-old formerly managed Roma, Fenerbahce, and Benfica before making a surprise return to Real Madrid this summer.

Oliver Skipp’s Transfer to Charlton Athletic

On deadline day, Charlton finalised a transfer for Skipp, who will join on a season-long loan from Leicester City.

The 25-year-old left Tottenham for the Foxes in 2024 after failing to establish himself as a vital member of the squad under Antonio Conte.

He was the 11th and final addition to Nathan Jones’ squad during the summer transfer window, returning to the Championship from League One.

The former Spurs player has made 79 games at this level, 45 of which came as part of a loan spell with Norwich City, who won the league title in 2021 under Daniel Farke.

Jose Mourinho believes in Oliver Skipp.

During Mourinho’s first pre-season with Spurs, he discussed his ambitions for Skipp and expressed his enthusiasm for what was to come from the player.

He praised the teenager as the club’s future and congratulated him on signing a new long-term contract with Tottenham.”I’m really happy [he signed a new contract],” Mourinho told Football London.

Oliver Skipp’s Tottenham Hotspur league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com)

Season

Appearances (starts)

Goals (Assists).

2018-19

8 (2)

0

2019-20

7 (1)

0

2021-22

18 (14)

0

2022-23

23 (18)

1 (0)

2023-24

21 (5)

0

“Everybody in the club is, his teammates are, I am, and whether Skippy is or not, he will not sign the contract. “I believe he is genuinely Tottenham’s future.He’s one of these players in terms of human quality and charisma, and I’m confident he’ll be a vital player for Tottenham.”

Skipp went on loan to Norwich that summer, and when he returned, he made 62 Premier League games for Spurs before signing for Leicester.

The 25-year-old appeared 24 more times in the Premier League for the Foxes, but they were relegated twice in the last two seasons and are presently in League One.

Oliver Skipp can have a significant impact at Charlton.

Charlton have recruited Nathaniel Chalobah, Timothy Ouma, and Skipp to their midfield, joining Greg Docherty and Conor Coventry as options.

Skipp’s technical ability should earn him a regular spot in Jones’ first-team plans this season.

The 25-year-old is also a strong defensive player, with 5.28 defensive contributions per 90 last season (all numbers from Fotmob).

This featured 1.86 tackles and 0.98 interceptions per game, as well as an 83.3 percent completion rate on his passes.

Skipp’s top-level expertise will also be valuable in the Charlton dressing room, as the club looks to improve on their 19th-place result last season.

Oliver Skipp has opportunity for growth at Charlton.

Leicester’s climate was not conducive to the growth and development of players such as Skipp, as the club struggled with form and finances.

Coaches were rotated on a regular basis, with Russell Martin joining the dugout this summer.

Meanwhile, Jones’ position as head coach at the Valley is secure, and the London club is under less pressure to succeed.

This should help Skipp maximise his potential, as he is still only 25 years old and has room to develop and grow.

While he may not be Tottenham’s future, he might still have a significant influence at Charlton this season.