Report: Tottenham Hotspur star on the verge of exit

Report: Tottenham Hotspur star on the verge of exit Middlesbrough closing in on Will Lankshear as Tottenham striker nears £10m transfer Middlesbrough are moving decisively in the race for Will Lankshear, with the Championship club now appearing best placed to land the Tottenham Hotspur forward in a deal worth more than £10million. According to TeamTalk, Boro have made the 21-year-old one of their leading attacking targets and their work behind the scenes now looks to be paying off. The timing is important. Following their play-off final disappointment, Middlesbrough have acted quickly to reshape the squad for another promotion push. In Lankshear, they see a striker with room to grow, proven Championship exposure, and the sort of profile that can appreciate in value if his development continues on its current course. The key detail is that Middlesbrough’s project appears to have landed well with the player. It is understood their “long-term vision” has been a major factor, convincing him that “the Riverside is the right place to continue his development”. For a young forward at this stage of his career, that clarity can often be decisive. Photo: IMAGO Will Lankshear transfer gathers pace Lankshear had been in line to return to Tottenham’s senior group for pre-season under Roberto De Zerbi, after an encouraging loan period at Oxford United. His stock has risen after he “reached double figures during his season in the Championship”, and there has been no shortage of interest. What has sharpened this situation is the player’s preference. TeamTalk report that he is “keen to secure regular first-team football on a permanent basis rather than embark on another temporary move”. That naturally shifts the conversation away from a loan and towards a full transfer, which Middlesbrough are prepared to support financially. Boro have also been helped by a straightforward sporting argument. They have “presented a clear pathway to consistent senior football”, and in a crowded market that can separate one bidder from the rest. Tottenham stance shows belief in striker There is still clear faith in Lankshear inside Tottenham. The club are “not prepared to sever ties completely”, which speaks volumes about how he is viewed internally. Rather than a clean break, Spurs are expected to protect themselves in the structure of the agreement. TeamTalk state that Tottenham want “both a substantial sell-on clause and a buy-back option” in any permanent transfer. That approach is increasingly common when top-flight clubs allow highly rated young players to leave for regular football elsewhere. It reduces immediate risk while preserving a route back if the player matures into the level many expect. Tottenham paid more than £2million to sign Lankshear from Sheffield United in 2022, seeing off rival interest for a player who had previously been with Arsenal. His route since then has been measured, through academy progression and loans at West Brom and Oxford, and Middlesbrough now look ready to offer the next phase. Middlesbrough move could suit all parties Burnley, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Hull City have all been mentioned as interested, yet Middlesbrough now “look set to win the race”. If the agreement is finalised on the terms outlined, it has the feel of a deal that can work for everyone involved. Boro get a young striker with momentum, Spurs keep future control, and the player gets the permanent platform he has been seeking. There is “growing confidence” that Lankshear will become Middlesbrough’s standout summer arrival, and if that confidence proves well placed, this could be one of the more significant Championship transfers of the window. Our View As a disappointed Tottenham supporter, this is the sort of report that leaves a bitter taste. You can understand why Will Lankshear wants to go, because “regular first-team football on a permanent basis” matters for a young striker, but it also says a lot about Tottenham’s pathway. If a forward with his promise cannot see enough opportunity in north London, then supporters are right to ask serious questions. The frustrating part is that Spurs clearly rate him. The report says the club are “not prepared to sever ties completely” and want “both a substantial sell-on clause and a buy-back option”. That sounds sensible on paper, but fans have seen this sort of logic before. You sell the talent, keep a technical safety net, then watch the player flourish elsewhere while your own squad still lacks depth and identity. Lankshear “reached double figures during his season in the Championship”, and that should have put him in a strong position to force the issue at Tottenham. Instead, this feels like another case of development happening for somebody else’s benefit. Middlesbrough get the hungry striker, the supporters get the excitement, and Spurs get clauses. There is also the wider emotional frustration. Tottenham spent more than £2million on him, invested years in his development, and now seem ready to let him go just as the picture starts to become interesting. If he explodes at the Riverside, fans will inevitably wonder why Spurs could not make that leap of faith first. That is why this report feels less like smart planning and more like another near miss waiting to happen. Source: TeamTalk