Tottenham Hotspur's decision to sell striker Will Lankshear during the summer transfer window is becoming a point of contention as the club faces a difficult start to the season. Spurs have yet to secure a victory in the Premier League, failing to score in three games before netting two consolation goals against Aston Villa prior to the international break.
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New signings Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush have struggled to make an impact, and last season’s top scorer Richarlison is reportedly facing an uncertain future under head coach Roberto de Zerbi, with speculations about his departure in January or a potential contract termination.
Tottenham is looking to resolve its attacking woes with the return of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, but lingering injury concerns and the club’s recent performance history leave fans uncertain.
The sale of Lankshear to Middlesbrough has come under scrutiny given Spurs' current offensive difficulties. Last season, Lankshear scored 11 goals while on loan at Oxford United, a team that ultimately faced relegation. Already, he has netted six times in just eight matches for Boro, and his recent performance for the England U21 team, where he scored in his debut, has further fueled comparisons to Tottenham legend Harry Kane.
The initial sale included a potential rise to €23 million due to performance-related bonuses, a substantial sum for a young, unproven player. However, many are questioning whether it was wise to part with Lankshear, given their current struggles to score.
Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood expressed disappointment in the club’s failure to provide opportunities for young players, highlighting Lankshear's successful loan as evidence that he deserved a chance in the first team. Sherwood stated that young players often need to make an impact while on loan to earn a spot in the squad, but lamented that Spurs tend to prioritize big-money signings over developing homegrown talent.
Scott Chickelday, Tottenham’s striker coach, praised Lankshear, suggesting that he possesses qualities similar to Kane. He noted Lankshear’s impressive finishing abilities and goal-scoring mentality, indicating that he has the potential to be one of the best strikers if he continues to develop.
Chickelday believes Lankshear could evolve into a significant player for the club and speculated that if he keeps progressing, he could become a £100 million asset in the future. The sale of Lankshear may just be another in a series of controversial decisions for Spurs, raising questions about their player development strategy.