The 18-year-old forward has been around senior football for some time and travelled on Tottenham’s pre-season tour, but his inclusion marks another step in his progression under Roberto De Zerbi.
The Standard reported that Williams-Barnett is now officially part of the senior group, although regular Premier League football is not guaranteed.
De Zerbi has spoken warmly about the teenager’s potential while stressing that his introduction to senior football must be handled carefully.
“It is a different job to manage the young, young player, especially when this young player is a potential top player, because you can’t put them in the bad condition or bad situation, but also you can’t forget them,” De Zerbi said.
“I didn’t forget about Luca, like Malachi, but we have to find the right moment.”
That moment has so far been difficult to identify. Williams-Barnett was left out when Tottenham travelled to Liverpool for last month’s Carabao Cup tie, illustrating the caution surrounding his promotion.
The circumstances at Spurs could nevertheless create an opening. De Zerbi’s side have struggled for attacking output and are currently bottom of the Premier League, leaving the manager searching for alternatives.
Williams-Barnett is a direct and versatile attacking player who made his senior debut under Thomas Frank last season.
His route into the team is complicated by the return of established options. Dejan Kulusevski is back in training after a lengthy absence, while Chelsea loanee Mykhailo Mudryk is expected to return from an ankle problem in the coming weeks.
Tottenham are also no longer involved in the Carabao Cup and are not playing European football, meaning there are fewer opportunities for De Zerbi to rotate his attack.
That could make a January loan an option if Williams-Barnett remains outside the regular matchday picture. Consistent senior football elsewhere could offer another route for his development.
For now, his promotion is an indication that De Zerbi sees a future for the teenager at senior level. The next step is turning that recognition into competitive minutes when the manager believes the conditions are right.