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Harry Winks
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Harry Billy Winks (born 2 February 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Leicester City.[4][5]
Key Information
A product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy, Winks made his debut for the senior side in 2014. He went on to make 203 appearances and scoring five goals for the club, as well as starting in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. After a loan to Italian side Sampdoria, he departed Tottenham in 2023 after 21 years at the club, and subsequently joined newly-relegated Leicester City in the Championship.
Having appeared for England across various youth levels, Winks made his senior debut in 2017 and went on to win a further nine caps.
Early and personal life
[edit]Harry Winks was born to Anita and Gary Winks. He has Spanish ancestry through his maternal grandparents.[6] He was born and raised in Hemel Hempstead and was educated at Cavendish School.[7][8] Winks is a Tottenham Hotspur fan; he attended his first match at White Hart Lane when he was six. He was invited to train at Tottenham's development centre in St Albans after attending a summer football camp run by an academy coach when he was five, and joined the Tottenham Academy at the same age.[9][10] In March 2025 Winks welcomed a daughter with his long term partner.
Club career
[edit]Tottenham Hotspur
[edit]Early career
[edit]Winks is a product of the Tottenham Hotspur youth system. During the 2013–14 season, he regularly trained with the first-team squad and was named on the senior bench for the first time in a Premier League tie against Liverpool on 30 March 2014, remaining an unused substitute in a 4–0 loss at Anfield.[11] On 27 July 2014, Winks signed his first professional contract with Tottenham;[12] according to Winks, Mauricio Pochettino said that he wanted to sign Winks immediately after watching videos of his performances.[10] He made his first team debut on 27 November 2014 in the UEFA Europa League group against FK Partizan in a 1–0 home win at White Hart Lane, replacing Paulinho after 87 minutes.[13]
On 6 July 2015, Winks signed a new contract with Tottenham until 2018, with the option of an additional year.[14] He was given the number 29 shirt, which was included on the club's list of first-team numbers.[15] Winks made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute in a 3–1 win against Qarabağ FK.[16]
2016–2018
[edit]On 27 August 2016, he made his Premier League debut, replacing Christian Eriksen in the last minute of the match in a 1–1 draw at home to Liverpool.[17] On 19 November, Winks made his full debut against West Ham United, performing well and scoring his first ever goal for Spurs to level the match at 1–1. Tottenham went on to win the match 3–2 in a dramatic finish at White Hart Lane after scoring two late goals.[18] Winks made his debut in the FA Cup on 8 January 2017, when he was selected for the team in the match against Aston Villa of the third round. Tottenham went on to win the match 2–0.[19] On 14 February 2017, Winks signed a new contract with Tottenham, keeping him at the club until 2022.[20] During an away match against Burnley on 1 April 2017 in the Premier League, Winks suffered an injury when he tumbled into the Burnley dugout,[21] and was later taken to hospital for a scan on his ankle.[22] Spurs announced on 4 April that Winks would be sidelined by the injury to his ankle ligament for the rest of the season.[23]
Winks began the 2017–18 season as a substitute in three early games after recovering from his injury.[24] He made his first start of the season in the EFL Cup tie against Barnsley that finished 1–0.[25] He next started in the match in UEFA Champions League away game against APOEL FC, and his performance earned him praise from Mauricio Pochettino as the "perfect midfielder".[26] After only one previous start in the Premier League for the club this season (in a 4–0 win against Huddersfield Town) and four Premier League starts including last season, he gained his first call-up for the national squad.[27][28] He received plaudits for his performance in the UEFA Champions League game away against Real Madrid where he was judged to have held his own against Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos.[29][30] However, he picked up a niggling ankle injury in the match against Crystal Palace on 5 November 2017, which led to him missing final three months of this season after trying initially to play some games through the discomfort.[31] He signed a new contract on 17 May 2018, keeping him at Tottenham until 2023.[32]
2018–2021
[edit]After a long period out through an injury that required surgery,[33] Winks returned to the squad in the 2018–19 season in the home game against Fulham, appearing as a late substitute.[34] He made his first start of the season in the game against Liverpool that Spurs lost 2–1.[35] In the away match against Fulham in January 2019, he scored a last minute winning goal to win 2–1, his first goal for the club since November 2016.[36] On 1 June 2019, Winks started in the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final against Liverpool.[37]
Winks signed a new five-year contract with Tottenham in July 2019.[38][39]
Winks scored his first goal of the 2020–21 season, his first for Tottenham in nearly two years, in the UEFA Europa League match against the Bulgarian side Ludogorets Razgrad to help Tottenham win 4–0. He hit the back of the net from 54 yards away, one of the longest goals ever scored in the Europa League,[40] which he said was not intentional.[41]
Loan to Sampdoria
[edit]On 30 August 2022, Winks joined Serie A club Sampdoria on loan for the 2022–23 season, with an option for the transfer to become permanent.[42] Sampdoria was relegated and his move was not made permanent.
Leicester City
[edit]
On 1 July 2023, Winks joined EFL Championship club Leicester City on a three-year contract,[43] for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £10 million.[44] On 6 August, he made his debut for the club in the opening game of the season, a 2–1 win against Coventry City in the EFL Championship.[45] On 20 September, he made a record of 100 per cent pass completion, while he made the most passes on the pitch, in a 2–0 away win against Norwich City.[46] On 28 October, he scored his first goal for Leicester in the league in a 2–1 away win against Queens Park Rangers, scoring from outside the box in the 80th minute.[47] Winks was a key player in midfield for Leicester and played a great role in helping Leicester secure promotion at the first time of asking. He won his first trophy in his career as Leicester finished as champions in the 2023–24 EFL Championship.[48]
International career
[edit]
Winks has represented England up to senior level. Before this, he was eligible to represent Spain as well as England.[49] He was part of the under-20 squad for the Mercedes-Benz Elite Cup in Germany in 2015.[50] Winks made his under-21 debut on 14 November 2016 where he started in England's friendly 3–2 defeat to France.[51]
On 2 October 2017, Winks received his first call up to the senior England squad, for their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania.[52] He made his debut when starting in England's 1–0 away win over Lithuania, which was the team's final match in their successful 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Phil McNulty of BBC Sport stated that, on the night, Winks was "England's best performer. Neat and tidy and almost scored. Eye-catching among so much mediocrity".[53] Winks missed the World Cup due to injury, but returned to the England squad in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League away match against Spain. He helped England to a 3–2 win, the first competitive home defeat for Spain since 2003 and England's first win in Spain in 31 years, in what was judged a "self-assured" performance.[54]
Winks scored his first goal for England on 17 November 2019 in a 4–0 win against Kosovo in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.[55]
Style of play
[edit]Winks plays as a central or defensive midfielder.[56] Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has said "When we talk about midfielders – because you like to use Spanish midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta – he's like this type of player",[57] describing Winks as "completely different to our other midfielders like Victor Wanyama, Eric Dier, Mousa Dembélé and Moussa Sissoko. He has qualities to add to the team that are completely different".[26] Talksport remarked that following his breakthrough for club and country, Winks was "seen as a potential difference-maker for the Three Lions due to his very individual skill set", with Winks earning comparisons with foreign midfielders rather than his English contemporaries.[57]
Ex-England and Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy said in September 2018 that the England team should be built around Winks, citing his performance for Tottenham against Real Madrid in the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League group stage as evidence: "The one who I think has got the capability, more than anyone else I have seen, is [Harry] Winks. What he showed in that game in Madrid, in both games when he was fit and at it, was a confidence and an ability to play. To see the passes, to get his foot in and be disciplined and mix that mix of midfield talent that you need [...] for me, Winks is one of the best I've seen when he's at it – in terms of his all-round ability."[58] ESPN FC's Ben Pearce opined in 2018: "England are still missing a deep-lying playmaker [...] Those wondering who could possibly fill the void have obviously forgotten Winks, who excels at keeping possession with quick, short passes".[59]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 4 November 2025
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Europe | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2013–14[60] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014–15[61] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[c] | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2015–16[62] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[c] | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2016–17[63] | Premier League | 21 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6[d] | 0 | 33 | 1 | |
| 2017–18[64] | Premier League | 16 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5[e] | 0 | 25 | 0 | |
| 2018–19[65] | Premier League | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 10[e] | 0 | 41 | 1 | |
| 2019–20[66] | Premier League | 31 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5[e] | 0 | 41 | 0 | |
| 2020–21[67] | Premier League | 15 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 10[c] | 1 | 30 | 2 | |
| 2021–22[68] | Premier League | 19 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 5[f] | 0 | 30 | 1 | |
| Total | 128 | 2 | 17 | 2 | 14 | 0 | 44 | 1 | 203 | 5 | ||
| Sampdoria (loan) | 2022–23[69] | Serie A | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 20 | 0 | ||
| Leicester City | 2023–24[70] | Championship | 45 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 48 | 2 | |
| 2024–25[71] | Premier League | 22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | 25 | 1 | ||
| 2025–26[72] | Championship | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | 14 | 1 | ||
| Total | 80 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 2 | — | 87 | 4 | |||
| Career total | 228 | 4 | 20 | 2 | 18 | 2 | 44 | 1 | 310 | 9 | ||
- ^ Includes FA Cup
- ^ Includes EFL Cup
- ^ a b c Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
- ^ Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League
International
[edit]- As of match played 18 November 2020[73]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 2017 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 | |
| Total | 10 | 1 | |
- As of match played 18 November 2020
- England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Winks goal[73]
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 November 2019 | Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo | 6 | 1–0 | 4–0 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification | [74] |
Honours
[edit]Tottenham Hotspur
Leicester City
Individual
- The Athletic Championship Team of the Season: 2023–24[78]
References
[edit]- ^ "Winks: Player". BDFutbol. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
- ^ "Harry Winks: Overview". ESPN. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
- ^ "Harry Winks: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
- ^ "15 famous sports stars you never realised were from Herts". Hertfordshire Mercury. 30 July 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
- ^ "Harry Winks Girlfriend Revealed: Meet the Woman Behind the Premier League Star's New Chapter". FeastMagazine. 9 April 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
- ^ Kilpatrick, Dan (28 July 2017). "Spurs' Harry Winks: 'I consider myself English and I want to play for England'". ESPN. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
- ^ "H. Winks: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
- ^ "Hemel hot shot ready to earn his Spurs". Tring Today. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
- ^ Hytner, David (27 January 2017). "Harry Winks: 'The buzz I get from playing for Tottenham … I don't think it will ever go'". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
- ^ a b Pitt-Brooke, Jack (27 January 2017). "Harry Winks: How trusting Mauricio Pochettino saw me break into the Tottenham first-team". The Independent. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022.
- ^ Emons, Michael (30 March 2014). "Liverpool 4–0 Tottenham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- ^ O'Rourke, Pete (26 July 2014). "Premier League: Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks agrees professional deal". Sky Sports.
- ^ Chowdhury, Saj (27 November 2014). "Tottenham 1–0 Partizan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- ^ "New deal for Winks". Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
- ^ "2015–16 Premier League squad numbers announced 7 August 2015". Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 7 August 2015.
- ^ "Tottenham Hotspur 3–1 FK Qarabag". BBC Sport. 17 September 2015.
- ^ Wallace, Sam (27 August 2016). "Tottenham 1 Liverpool 1: Danny Rose scores late equaliser to cancel out James Milner penalty". The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Smith, Alan (19 November 2016). "Harry Kane's two late goals earn Tottenham victory over West Ham". The Guardian.
- ^ Rostance, Tom (8 January 2017). "Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
- ^ "Harry Winks signs new Tottenham contract". Sky Sports. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
- ^ Stelton, Jack (1 April 2017). "Burnley 0–2 Tottenham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
- ^ "Harry Winks: Tottenham midfielder taken to hospital with ankle injury". BBC Sport. 1 April 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
- ^ "Harry Winks: Tottenham midfielder ruled out for the rest of the season". BBC Sport. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
- ^ Pitt-Brooke, Jack (19 September 2017). "Harry Winks set to make first Tottenham start in six months after recovering from ankle injury". The Independent. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022.
- ^ Kilpatrick, Dan (20 September 2017). "Tottenham's Harry Winks: 'I feel like I'm 100 percent now' following injury". ESPN.
- ^ a b Valente, Allan (29 September 2017). "Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham's Harry Winks can unlock defences". Sky Sports.
- ^ Fifield, Dominic (2 October 2017). "Harry Winks earns England call-up after Fabian Delph and Phil Jones withdraw". The Guardian.
- ^ Tweedale, Alistair (5 October 2017). "Why Harry Winks's four Premier League starts is more than enough experience to shine for England". The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Malyon, Ed (17 October 2017). "Harry Winks shines at Real Madrid as Tottenham midfielder proves he has the most important thing – Mauricio Pochettino's trust". The Independent. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022.
- ^ McAuley, John (19 October 2017). "A nudge to Winks: Tottenham's promising star must keep feet to ground". The National.
- ^ "Harry Winks' injury could spoil his Tottenham, World Cup dreams". ESPN. 16 March 2018.
- ^ "Harry Winks signs new Tottenham contract until 2023". Sky Sports.
- ^ "Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks undergoes successful ankle surgery". Sky Sports. 29 May 2018.
- ^ Wilmot, Lee (25 August 2018). "Tottenham ace Harry Winks outlines what he has done differently in his recovery from injury". Football.london.
- ^ Cunningham, Sam (16 September 2018). "Tottenham's Harry Winks played through the pain against Liverpool but at what cost?". i.
- ^ Burt, Jason; Bull, JJ (20 January 2019). "Harry Winks breaks Fulham hearts with last minute winner but Dele Alli adds to Spurs' injury concerns". The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (1 June 2019). "Tottenham Hotspur 0–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
- ^ Young, Alex (8 July 2019). "Harry Winks and Ben Davies sign new five-year contracts with Tottenham". Evening Standard. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
- ^ "Tottenham: Ben Davies and Harry Winks sign new five-year contracts with Spurs". BBC Sport. 8 July 2019. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
- ^ Poole, Harry (26 November 2020). "Tottenham Hotspur 4 - 0 Ludogorets Razgrad". BBC Sport.
- ^ Gallagher, Sean (26 November 2020). "INCREDIBLE Watch Harry Winks break two-year goal drought with incredible 56-yard strike – but later admitted it was a fluke – as Tottenham thrash Ludogorets". TalkSport.
- ^ "Winks joins Samp on initial loan". U.C. Sampdoria. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ "Leicester City Sign Harry Winks From Tottenham Hotspur". Leicester City F.C. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ^ "Harry Winks: Tottenham Hotspur midfielder close to £10m Leicester City move". BBC Sport. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ "Leicester City 2-1 Coventry - Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scores two late goals to snatch victory". BBC Sport. 6 August 2023.
- ^ "Enzo Maresca tells Harry Winks where he can improve despite faultless Leicester City game". Leicester Mercury. 23 September 2023.
- ^ "Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Leicester City: Harry Winks makes it 13 wins from 14 for Foxes". BBC Sport. 28 October 2023.
- ^ "Harry Winks reveals what he has done with Leicester City that escaped him at Tottenham Hotspur". Leicester Mercury. 3 May 2024.
- ^ Kilpatrick, Dan (28 July 2017). "Spurs' Harry Winks: 'I consider myself English and I want to play for England'". ESPN.
- ^ Veevers, Nicholas. "England Under-20s squad named for Mercedes Elite Cup in Germany". The Football Association.
- ^ "France-U21 3–2 England-U21". BBC Sport. 14 November 2016.
- ^ Pitt-Brooke, Jack; Delaney, Miguel (2 October 2017). "England call up Harry Winks to replace injured Fabian Delph and Phil Jones". The Independent. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (8 October 2017). "Lithuania 0–1 England". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ Burt, Jason (15 October 2018). "Harry Winks proves he has exactly the kind of quality this England side needs – sharp, self-assured and aggressive". The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (17 November 2019). "Kosovo 0–4 England". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
- ^ "Harry Winks: Profile". worldfootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
- ^ a b "WINKS WONDER: Harry Winks 'like Barcelona legends Andres Iniesta and Xavi' but Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham midfielder must focus on football". Talksport. 14 September 2018. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
- ^ Coleman, Joe (10 September 2018). "TALENT: Tottenham Hotspur starlet Harry Winks can solve England's midfield problem, says former Liverpool man Danny Murphy". Talksport. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
- ^ Pearce, Ben (13 September 2018). "Harry Winks ready to revitalise creaking Spurs midfield after long injury layoff". ESPN FC. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Harry Winks in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Harry Winks". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ "Kosovo vs. England 0–4: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (25 April 2021). "Manchester City 1–0 Tottenham Hotspur". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 24 April 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (1 June 2019). "Tottenham Hotspur 0–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 8 August 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
- ^ "Championship: 2023/24: Current table". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
"Leicester: Squad details: 2023/24". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2024. - ^ "The Athletic's end-of-season awards, 2023–24: Men's football". The Athletic. 21 May 2024. Archived from the original on 21 May 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
External links
[edit]- Profile at the Leicester City F.C. website
- Harry Winks – UEFA competition record (archive)
Harry Winks
View on GrokipediaEarly and personal life
Early life
Harry Winks was born on 2 February 1996 in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, to parents Gary and Anita Winks.[5][6] His father, Gary, a lifelong Tottenham Hotspur supporter and former semi-professional footballer for local clubs including Hemel Hempstead Town and Berkhamsted, played a key role in fostering Winks' passion for the sport from a young age.[7][8] Growing up in Hemel Hempstead, Winks developed his early football skills through local youth teams before catching the attention of Tottenham Hotspur scouts.[9] His family provided strong support for his burgeoning interest, with his parents frequently transporting him to training sessions and matches despite their busy schedules.[10] As a devoted Spurs fan, influenced heavily by his father, Winks attended his first match at White Hart Lane around the age of six or seven, further solidifying his dream of playing for the club.[7] In 2001, at the age of five, he impressed during a Tottenham summer school and began training with the club, officially joining their academy the following year.[11][1] Alongside his football commitments, Winks balanced academics by attending local schools in Hertfordshire, including Cavendish School in Hemel Hempstead, where he was a popular student.[12][13] His parents' encouragement allowed him to juggle these responsibilities, laying the foundation for his progression into professional youth development.[6]Personal life
Harry Winks has been in a long-term relationship with Lowri Algar.[14] The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Marlowe Rose, on March 12, 2025, during Winks' tenure with Leicester City.[15][16] This family milestone influenced his lifestyle choices, including a decision to commute approximately 100 miles daily from the London area to Leicester's training facilities to remain close to his partner and newborn.[17] In April 2025, the commute led to a dispute with then-manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who dropped Winks from the squad after he refused to stay overnight at the training ground more frequently; Winks was reinstated later that year.[17][18] Winks adjusted to temporary relocation in Genoa, Italy, while on loan at Sampdoria during the 2022–23 season. Outside football, Winks maintains strong ties to Tottenham Hotspur as a lifelong fan, a passion that originated in his youth in Hertfordshire.[19]Club career
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Winks joined the Tottenham Hotspur academy at the age of five in 2002, having impressed during a summer training session the previous year.[11] He progressed through the youth ranks under coaches including Roger Miller, who worked with younger age groups and emphasized technical development.[20] By 2013–14, Winks was regularly training with the first-team squad while captaining the under-18s and featuring for the under-21s. In July 2014, he signed his first professional contract with the club.[21] Winks made his senior debut on 27 November 2014, coming on as a substitute for Paulinho in a 1–0 UEFA Europa League group stage victory over Partizan Belgrade at White Hart Lane, under manager Tim Sherwood.[22] The 18-year-old academy product described the moment as a dream realized, having supported Tottenham since childhood.[23] Over the following seasons, he gained experience by remaining with the senior squad rather than pursuing loans, featuring sporadically in cup competitions and continuing to develop in the under-21 team under Mauricio Pochettino, who succeeded Sherwood in 2014.[7] Winks' breakthrough came in the 2016–17 season under Pochettino, where he made 21 Premier League appearances, including his first start and goal in a 3–2 win over West Ham United on 19 November 2016—a long-range strike that prompted an emotional celebration with the manager. This performance highlighted his composure in midfield and earned him Europa League starts, contributing to Tottenham's run to the last 16.[24] In 2017–18, he featured in 16 Premier League matches and helped secure a Champions League spot, often providing balance in central midfield alongside players like Mousa Dembélé. Pochettino praised Winks' passing range and work ethic, viewing him as a key part of the team's high-pressing style. Winks reached his peak from 2018 to 2021, amassing significant minutes during Tottenham's most successful recent period. In 2018–19, he started in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, a 2–0 defeat in Madrid, after recovering from groin surgery just weeks prior—an indication of Pochettino's trust in his reliability.[25] He formed effective midfield partnerships with Dele Alli and Eric Dier, offering defensive cover and precise distribution in a high-energy setup that propelled Spurs to the final. Over his Tottenham career, Winks made 203 appearances and scored five goals, including notable strikes in league wins.[26] His consistent performances during this era led to England senior call-ups in 2017 and 2018.[27] Following Pochettino's departure in November 2019, Winks' playing time declined sharply under subsequent managers. José Mourinho limited him to substitute roles in 2019–20, while Nuno Espírito Santo in 2021–22 and Antonio Conte from late 2021 onward favored other options, resulting in just 15 Premier League appearances across those seasons.[11] Conte occasionally deployed him in cup ties but prioritized a more defensive midfield structure, leaving Winks on the bench for much of 2022–23.[28] With his contract set to expire in summer 2023, Tottenham sold Winks to Leicester City for £10 million on 1 July 2023, ending his 21-year association with the club.[29]Loan to Sampdoria
In August 2022, Harry Winks joined Serie A club Sampdoria on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, with an option for the move to become permanent, as he sought regular playing time following limited opportunities under manager Antonio Conte.[30][31] The transfer was motivated by Winks' desire to rebuild his form after starting only three Premier League matches in the previous campaign, marking a significant step away from his boyhood club to revive his career in a new league.[11] Winks faced substantial adaptation challenges upon arrival in Italy, primarily due to an ankle injury sustained shortly after signing, which required surgery in September 2022 and sidelined him for nearly four months.[32] This setback delayed his integration into Italian football's tactical demands, characterized by a more possession-oriented and defensively structured style compared to the Premier League's intensity, compounded by language barriers in training and team communications.[33] Despite these hurdles, Winks debuted on 16 January 2023 as a substitute against Empoli, eventually making 20 appearances in Serie A, where he contributed to midfield stability through his precise passing and intelligent positioning, including notable performances in matches against top sides like Juventus and Inter Milan amid Sampdoria's relegation battle.[34][26] He recorded one assist and helped anchor the midfield during the team's fight to avoid the drop, though Sampdoria were ultimately relegated to Serie B at the season's end.[35][36] The loan concluded without activation of the permanent option, leading to Winks' return to Tottenham in June 2023, primarily due to Sampdoria's financial difficulties and relegation, which rendered them unable to pursue a full transfer amid ongoing wage payment issues and budget constraints.[37][38] Winks expressed a preference for continuing his career in the Premier League, citing familiarity and higher competitive level as factors, while acknowledging the Italian stint's value in regaining confidence.[39][40] During his six-month spell in Genoa, Winks adapted to life in the coastal city, describing it as a refreshing change that allowed him to focus on recovery and football away from the pressures of London, though the injury limited family time and integration into local culture.[41] He later reflected on the period as challenging yet supportive, with Sampdoria's staff aiding his rehabilitation and helping him feel valued despite the disruptions.[42]Leicester City
In July 2023, Harry Winks joined Leicester City from Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent transfer for a reported £10 million fee, signing a three-year contract until June 2026.[43][44] The move came after a season-long loan at Sampdoria, where he gained experience in a possession-based system that aligned with Leicester's ambitions under manager Enzo Maresca. During the 2023–24 EFL Championship season, Winks established himself as a key figure in midfield, making 49 appearances across all competitions and scoring two late winning goals in 2–1 victories over Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion. His consistent performances, characterized by high pass completion rates often exceeding 90%, were instrumental in Leicester's promotion as champions, as they amassed 97 points and conceded just 40 goals in the league. Winks formed a productive partnership with Wilfred Ndidi, providing defensive cover and distribution from deep, which helped stabilize the midfield during Maresca's tactical setup emphasizing build-up play.[45] In the 2024–25 Premier League campaign, Winks remained a regular starter, featuring in 27 matches across all competitions with two assists, notably contributing to a 2–2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.[46] Despite his efforts in recycling possession amid a challenging season marked by defensive vulnerabilities, Leicester were relegated after finishing 18th with 25 points, confirmed by a 1–0 loss to Liverpool in April 2025.[47] His role highlighted adaptability to the top flight's intensity, though the team's overall struggles limited individual impact. As of November 2025, in the early stages of the 2025–26 Championship season under new management following Ruud van Nistelrooy's departure, Winks has made 13 appearances with 10 starts and one assist, focusing on leadership in Leicester's promotion push.[48] With over 80 appearances and two goals for the club to date, his contract situation has drawn attention, as it enters its final year amid reported interest from Burnley and other clubs seeking midfield reinforcement.[49][50]International career
Youth international career
Harry Winks began his youth international career with the England under-17 team in 2012, earning six caps between August 2012 and February 2013 against opponents including the Faroe Islands, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands.[51] His performances at this level highlighted his composure in midfield, often anchoring the team alongside talents like Ruben Loftus-Cheek.[3] Winks progressed to the under-18 and under-19 levels in 2014, securing two caps for the U18s against Belgium and Germany, where he scored once, and six caps for the U19s from September 2014 to March 2015 against teams such as Germany, Belarus, Luxembourg, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, and France.[51] These appearances included participation in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying rounds, where he played a key role in qualifying campaigns, demonstrating his technical passing and defensive awareness in central midfield.[3] In 2015–2016, he added eight caps at under-20 level, featuring against the Czech Republic, Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, France, and Canada during friendlies and the Toulon Tournament, further establishing his reputation for precise distribution and game control.[51] At the under-21 level from 2016 to 2018, Winks made two appearances against France and Germany, often partnering with emerging midfielders like Loftus-Cheek in competitive fixtures.[3] Across all youth levels, he accumulated 24 caps, showcasing his early promise as a technically proficient deep-lying playmaker who facilitated transitions from defense to attack.[3] This progression paved the way for his senior international debut in 2017.Senior international career
Winks earned his first call-up to the senior England squad on 2 October 2017, ahead of the final 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania.[52] He made his debut four days later, starting in midfield during England's 1–0 away victory over Lithuania on 8 October 2017 at the LFF Stadium in Vilnius. This appearance marked the beginning of a brief but promising international career for the then-21-year-old Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who impressed with his composure in possession during the match.[53] Between 2017 and 2020, Winks accumulated 10 caps, appearing in a mix of competitive fixtures and friendlies.[3] Notable outings included starts in the 2018 UEFA Nations League victory over Spain (3–2) and the 6–0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Bulgaria in 2019. His sole international goal arrived on 17 November 2019, when he curled a fine left-footed effort into the top corner during a 4–0 Euro 2020 qualifying victory against Kosovo at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium. Despite these moments, Winks did not feature in any major tournaments, with his selections limited by the depth of England's midfield options. Winks' last cap came on 18 November 2020, as a second-half substitute in England's 4–0 UEFA Nations League triumph over Iceland at Wembley Stadium.[54] He played the final 26 minutes in that match, which featured goals from Declan Rice, Mason Mount, and a brace from Phil Foden. Subsequent non-selection stemmed from inconsistent club form at Tottenham, where limited starting opportunities hampered his case, alongside stiff competition from established midfielders like Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.[55]Playing style
Technical attributes
Harry Winks is recognized for his exceptional passing accuracy, often exceeding 90% in league competitions, which underscores his reliability in possession. In the 2023-24 Championship season with Leicester City, he achieved a 93.1% passing completion rate across 46 appearances.[56] This proficiency extends to long-range distribution and vision for through-balls, enabling him to initiate attacks effectively; for example, early in the season he completed 656 passes—leading the Championship at that point—while receiving 619, more than any other player.[57] His preference for short passes and layoffs further highlights a style focused on maintaining control and tempo.[58] Winks demonstrates strong ball control and composure when dribbling in tight spaces, traits that allow him to progress the ball under pressure. These technical skills, emphasizing calmness in receiving the ball, were evident early in his career and have been key to his role as a central midfielder.[59] Developed through Tottenham Hotspur's academy, his ability to execute precise layoffs and retain possession in congested areas contributes to his high passing volume without frequent turnovers.[58] Physically, Winks stands at 178 cm and is right-footed, providing balance in duels despite a lean build of around 65 kg that prioritizes agility over brute strength.[60] His work rate includes solid defensive contributions, averaging 1.63 tackles and 0.82 interceptions per 90 minutes in the 2023-24 season, supporting his concentration in midfield battles.[56] This style has persisted into the 2025-26 season, with a 89.7% passing completion rate in 14 appearances as of November 2025.[56]Tactical role
Harry Winks primarily operates as a deep-lying playmaker, or regista, stationed at the base of midfield in formations such as the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, where he dictates the tempo of play by controlling possession and initiating attacks from deep positions.[61][62] At Leicester City, this role has seen him form part of a double pivot, dropping deep to receive the ball and progress it forward with high accuracy, often ranking in the top percentiles for progressive passes and completed passes per game.[61] In secondary capacities, Winks has demonstrated versatility as a box-to-box or central midfielder, contributing to defensive screening by winning duels and intercepting plays while occasionally surging forward to support attacks.[62] His positional discipline allows him to adapt within these roles, providing balance in midfield structures that emphasize quick transitions and space exploitation.[62] Winks' passing intelligence has drawn comparisons to Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta, particularly in his ability to read the game and distribute from deep, as noted by former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.[63] His tactical evolution reflects a shift from Pochettino's high-pressing system at Tottenham Hotspur, which demanded intense midfield pressing, to Enzo Maresca's possession-oriented approach at Leicester, where he serves as a metronome in build-up play; this has continued under Marti Cifuentes with more adaptable, pragmatic tactics.[64][61] Winks excels in build-up play through his strong passing and concentration, enabling effective ball circulation, though he exhibits weaknesses in tackling and lacks a significant goal threat, focusing instead on facilitating rather than finishing.[65][61]Career statistics
Club
Harry Winks has amassed over 300 club appearances across his professional career with Tottenham Hotspur, Sampdoria, and Leicester City as of November 2025.[66]Club Totals by Club
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur | 203 | 5 | 4 | 11,002 | 28 | 0 |
| Sampdoria (loan) | 20 | 0 | 0 | 1,719 | 2 | 0 |
| Leicester City | 87 | 4 | 4 | 6,587 | 14 | 0 |
| Career Total | 310 | 9 | 8 | 19,308 | 44 | 0 |
Breakdown by Competition and Season (Selected Significant Splits)
Tottenham Hotspur
| Competition | Season Range | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 2015–2022 | 128 | 2 | 3 | 6,839 | 21 |
| UEFA Champions League | 2016–2020 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 1,739 | 3 |
| FA Cup | 2015–2021 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 1,378 | 2 |
| EFL Cup | 2015–2021 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 1,046 | 2 |
Sampdoria (Loan)
| Competition | Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 2022–2023 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 1,719 | 2 |
Leicester City
| Competition | Season Range | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 2023–2024 | 45 | 2 | 0 | 4,039 | 9 |
| Premier League | 2024–2025 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 1,540 | 4 |
| EFL Cup | 2024–2025 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 225 | 0 |
| Championship | 2025–2026 (to Nov) | 14 | 0 | 1 | 1,097 | 1 |
| EFL Cup | 2025–2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
International
Harry Winks earned 10 caps for the senior England national team between 2017 and 2020, scoring 1 goal across World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Euro qualifiers, UEFA Nations League matches, and friendlies.[67] His sole senior international goal came in a 4–0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying victory against Kosovo on 17 November 2019.[67] The following table lists Winks' senior international appearances, including dates, opponents, competitions, results, and goals scored:| Date | Opponent | Competition | Result | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Oct 2017 | Lithuania | World Cup Qualifier | 1–0 W | 0 |
| 15 Oct 2018 | Spain | UEFA Nations League | 3–2 W | 0 |
| 15 Nov 2018 | United States | Friendly | 3–0 W | 0 |
| 14 Oct 2019 | Bulgaria | UEFA Euro Qualifier | 6–0 W | 0 |
| 14 Nov 2019 | Montenegro | UEFA Euro Qualifier | 7–0 W | 0 |
| 17 Nov 2019 | Kosovo | UEFA Euro Qualifier | 4–0 W | 1 |
| 8 Oct 2020 | Wales | Friendly | 3–0 W | 0 |
| 12 Nov 2020 | Republic of Ireland | Friendly | 3–0 W | 0 |
| 15 Nov 2020 | Belgium | UEFA Nations League | 0–2 L | 0 |
| 18 Nov 2020 | Iceland | UEFA Nations League | 4–0 W | 0 |
| Level | Caps | Goals | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| U17 | 6 | 0 | 2012–2013 |
| U18 | 2 | 1 | 2014 |
| U19 | 6 | 0 | 2014–2015 |
| U20 | 8 | 0 | 2015–2016 |
| U21 | 2 | 0 | 2016–2018 |