Tottenham sold Will Lankshear and he's now scored 8 goals in 11 for Middlesbrough
Tottenham Hotspur are facing growing criticism over their decision to sell striker Will Lankshear, who has scored eight goals in 11 appearances for Middlesbrough. With Spurs struggling for a reliable centre-forward, a transfer insider has described the sale as an "utter disaster" and a decision that looks worse with every goal.
- Player: Will Lankshear, 21-year-old striker
- Current club: Middlesbrough (sold by Tottenham Hotspur)
- Form: 8 goals in 11 appearances in all competitions
- Academy record: 18 goals in 19 Premier League 2 matches in 2023-24, won Golden Boot
- Spurs' striker issues: Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel and Omar Marmoush all struggling for form
- Key quote: Sale described as "not just a mistake, it looks like an utter disaster"
What was said
"It does [look silly] when you exclude Richarlison out of choice as well, because it basically means all we have got now is a Dominic Solanke that's devoid of confidence, Mathys Tel is devoid of confidence either on the left wing or as a striker, and I think Marmoush is better suited playing as a 10 or off the wing than as a striker."
"We have actually let go of a striker that is bang in confidence, that's got the correct build to be a striker, especially in a De Zerbi system. He's English, he supports the club, and he's scoring goals for fun, it doesn't just look like a mistake, it looks like an utter disaster to have moved Lankshear on."
The quotes underline a growing sense of frustration in north London. The observer points to a lack of conviction in Tottenham's attacking options and questions the logic of selling a player who is in form and suits the manager's system. The reference to a "De Zerbi system" suggests the insider believes Lankshear would thrive under the current tactical setup at Spurs.
What is striking is the claim that Lankshear "supports the club" — an emotional connection that makes his departure harder to accept for supporters. The insider also highlights that Spurs have no clear focal point, with Solanke and Tel both lacking confidence and Marmoush better deployed in a deeper role.
The numbers
- 8 goals in 11 appearances for Middlesbrough in all competitions
- 18 goals in 19 Premier League 2 matches in 2023-24
- Premier League 2 Golden Boot winner 2023-24
Deal details
Tottenham Hotspur sold Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough. The source does not state the fee, contract length or any add-ons. Lankshear has settled quickly at Middlesbrough, scoring eight goals in 11 games. Tottenham chose to cash in on the 21-year-old after his prolific academy form. No further details of the transfer are provided.
Why Tottenham's striker gamble is backfiring
Tottenham's decision to sell Will Lankshear was presumably designed to fund other moves or clear space for first-team arrivals. But the reality on the pitch has exposed a glaring hole. Dominic Solanke has struggled for rhythm and certainty, Mathys Tel has yet to impose himself either from the left or through the middle, and Omar Marmoush appears more naturally suited to playing behind the striker or drifting in from wide areas. In other words, Spurs are short of a genuine No.9 who is confident and fit for purpose.
Meanwhile, Lankshear is doing exactly what young strikers do when confidence is coursing through them: scoring, influencing games and making people ask awkward questions. His record in Premier League 2 — 18 goals in 19 matches — showed a penalty-box craft and calm eye for goal that Tottenham's current forwards have lacked. The fact that he is English and a boyhood Spurs fan adds an emotional layer to the criticism.
Selling him to Middlesbrough may have made short-term financial sense, but if he continues this scoring rate, the decision will look more and more like a misjudgement. For a club searching for authority and composure through the middle, letting go a striker bang in form and perfectly built for the system looks increasingly costly.
Talking points
- Should Tottenham have kept Lankshear as a squad option instead of selling him to a Championship rival? His eight goals in 11 games suggest he could have contributed in the Premier League.
- Is the criticism fair given Spurs' need to balance the books, or does it ignore the club's need to raise funds for other positions?
- With Solanke and Tel struggling, should Tottenham look to sign a striker in January, or promote from within?
- Does the sale of a boyhood fan and academy star send the wrong message to other young players at the club?
What happens next
Will Lankshear will continue his loan or permanent spell at Middlesbrough — the source does not clarify the exact nature of the deal — and every goal will pile pressure on Tottenham's decision-makers. Spurs, meanwhile, must find a solution to their striker problems in the coming weeks, whether through the transfer market or by getting more out of Solanke and Tel. The next international break could be a crucial period for the coaching staff to reassess their attacking options. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on a transfer call that is shouting back at the club every weekend.
Frequently asked questions
How many goals has Will Lankshear scored for Middlesbrough?
Will Lankshear has scored eight goals in 11 appearances in all competitions for Middlesbrough.
Why did Tottenham sell Will Lankshear?
The source does not specify Tottenham's reasoning, but reports suggest they chose to cash in on the striker. The decision has been criticised given Spurs' lack of reliable centre-forward options.
What did the transfer insider say about the Lankshear sale?
The insider said it "doesn't just look like a mistake, it looks like an utter disaster" and highlighted that Tottenham have let go a striker who is in confidence and suits the system.
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