Will Lankshear’s rapid start at Middlesbrough is beginning to look like one of the transfer decisions Tottenham may come to regret. The 21-year-old striker has scored nine goals in 12 appearances since leaving Spurs in the summer, including the winner in Boro’s 1-0 Championship victory over Wolves.


Lankshear rose highest at the far post to head in Tommy Conway’s cross from the left, showing exactly the kind of poacher’s instinct that made him such a promising academy talent at Tottenham. His positioning, aerial ability and calm finishing have quickly made him a fan favourite at the Riverside Stadium.


A sale Spurs fans question

Tottenham allowed Lankshear to join Middlesbrough on a five-year contract in a deal worth an initial £10 million, with a further £10 million available through add-ons. If all clauses are triggered, the transfer could become a club-record purchase for Boro.


Since his move, Lankshear has scored as many goals in all competitions as Tottenham’s entire squad. Spurs, despite rescuing a late draw at Manchester United through Dominic Solanke, remain in the Premier League relegation zone. Solanke’s stoppage-time goal was also the first league goal scored by a Tottenham forward in five months.


That contrast has frustrated supporters. Ali Speechly, co-chair of the Women of the Lane supporters’ group, told BBC Sport that many fans struggle to understand why the club sold him.

“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.

“I was definitely disappointed. Given how badly we have started this season, as a fan it feels like the wrong decision.”


Why Middlesbrough moved quickly

Middlesbrough beat competition from other Championship clubs and several European sides to sign Lankshear. His reputation had grown after he scored 12 league goals on loan at Oxford United last season, despite Oxford being relegated.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes the move was the right one for the striker’s development.


“If you are a young kid at a club where you are not getting any first-team football and you get the opportunity to go and play men’s football, you should go,” Robinson told BBC Sport.

“Getting first-team football is the best grounding you can get for a young footballer. Will has been given this opportunity, and he is taking it.”


Lankshear scored 23 goals for Tottenham’s Under-23 side during the 2023-24 Premier League 2 season. He also featured in Spurs’ 2024-25 Europa League campaign, most memorably scoring against Galatasaray before being sent off in the same match.


A natural fit at Boro

Middlesbrough have developed a strong reputation for helping young players progress. Morgan Rogers is the most recent high-profile example, having spent six months at the Riverside before joining Aston Villa and establishing himself in the Premier League.

Boro also needed a physical, clinical centre-forward. Kim Hellberg’s side created plenty of chances last season but lacked a reliable finisher, particularly after missing promotion following only one goal across three play-off matches.


BBC Tees commentator Mark Drury believes Lankshear has filled that gap perfectly.

“Boro was a team that made a boatload of chances, and he knew he would be able to get on the end of them,” Drury said.


“But what people have been impressed with is his instinctive finishing, one touch, just being in the right place. It’s simple but not a lot of people know how to be there at the right time.”

Drury also highlighted Lankshear’s physical development, technical ability and aerial strength. “He’s taller and stockier than he might look from the sidelines, and he is only 21,” he added. “He seems to have the all-round package, good with both feet and in the air.”


The Harry Kane comparison

The comparisons with Harry Kane are understandable. Like Kane, Lankshear is a 6ft 2in English striker with a strong finishing record, a physical presence and a willingness to learn through the Football League.


Robinson sees clear similarities in their career paths.

“I can understand the comparisons with Harry Kane,” he said. “He has headed down a similar career path to Harry and, physically, he has a similar stature as well.

“Like Kane, he looks like a player who is developing a little later, compared to others who are Premier League regulars before the end of their teens.”


Lankshear’s journey has also included setbacks. He began in Arsenal’s academy, was released, joined Sheffield United and then moved to Tottenham for £2 million at the age of 17.

His loan experiences were mixed too. A quiet spell at West Brom was followed by a far more productive period at Oxford United.


Speechly believes those early struggles should not be used to judge him.

“Harry Kane didn’t always have brilliantly successful loan spells, they are not always a marker of a player,” she said. “I don’t think we will ever get another Kane, but there are definitely similarities. He is a real poacher and has a strong work ethic. It is very Kane-esque.”


What Tottenham retained

Tottenham do not have an automatic right to re-sign Lankshear next summer. However, the agreement gives Spurs the right to be informed of, and match, any accepted bid Middlesbrough receive for the striker.

Tottenham will also receive 20% of any profit from a future sale. That gives them a measure of protection, but not the guaranteed buy-back option many supporters would have preferred.

Drury believes Lankshear has the attitude and ability to reach the Premier League.


“Lankshear seems to have all the tools, including attitude, to make the best of the talent he has got,” he said. “If he continues at this rate of progress, it would be no surprise to see him in the Premier League, hopefully with the Boro.”

His form has even sparked discussion of an England senior call-up. Lankshear scored on his England Under-21 debut last month, and manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated he is open to selecting players from outside the Premier League.


With Harry Kane now 33 and England’s options at centre-forward limited, Lankshear’s continued development could put him firmly in the international conversation.