Will Lankshear's prolific start at Middlesbrough has sparked regret among Tottenham Hotspur fans, with the club struggling for goals in the Premier League. The 21-year-old striker, sold to the Championship side in the summer, scored his ninth goal in 12 games on Saturday to secure a 1-0 win over Wolves, a result that came just hours before Spurs drew at Manchester United.
Lankshear joined Middlesbrough on a five-year deal for an initial fee worth about £10m, with the total package potentially rising to a club-record £20m through add-ons. His latest winner, a six-yard header from Tommy Conway's cross, underlined the finishing instinct that has made him a key figure for a side sitting in the Championship's automatic promotion places. For Tottenham, who remain in the Premier League's relegation zone in 19th place with just three points from six games, his form is a painful contrast. The club has scored only three league goals all season, a key factor in their position near the bottom of the standings.
Fan frustration grows
Ali Speechly, co-chair of the Women of the Lane supporters' group, articulated the feeling among many. "A lot of fans are wondering why he was sold," she said. "It was likely to do with money - his sell-on price is relatively high, so let's cash in on him." She added that, given Tottenham's poor start, the sale feels like a misstep. The club's sole league goal in the last five months was Dominic Solanke's last-minute equaliser at Old Trafford on Tuesday, a result that still left them with just one win in their last 15 matches across all competitions. The team's lack of firepower is starkly visible in the stats for the season.
Lankshear's development path has drawn comparisons to a Tottenham legend. Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson noted the striker's physical stature and career trajectory mirror that of Harry Kane, who also benefited from multiple loans before breaking through. "Getting first-team football is the best grounding you can get for a young footballer," Robinson said. Lankshear impressed on loan at Oxford United last season, scoring 12 league goals for a relegated side, after a prolific 23-goal campaign for Tottenham's under-23s in 2023-24. He also made senior appearances in the Europa League, notably scoring before being sent off against Galatasaray.
A clear need at Spurs
For Middlesbrough, Lankshear was the answer to a clear problem. BBC Tees commentator Mark Drury explained the club needed a "skilful, physical presence" to finish the numerous chances created by Kim Hellberg's side, which had stalled in the play-offs last season. Lankshear's instinctive movement and ability to be in the right place have made an immediate impact. His goal tally since moving north equals the combined total of all Tottenham's senior forwards in all competitions this season.
Tottenham's attacking woes are a central concern as they prepare for their next fixtures. Coventry currently sit 14th. With no option to recall Lankshear next summer, the focus turns to the existing squad to find a cutting edge and climb away from danger.
Read the full report at BBC Sport Football
