Tottenham Hotspur have repeated a transfer ploy that could prove lucrative in the future
Tottenham Hotspur will hope to land a double windfall after including a sell-on clause as part of Will Lankshear’s move to Middlesbrough. The young striker made six first team appearances for Spurs after rising through the club’s academy.
Spurs are already set to receive up to £20million for the 21-year-old forward. Boro have paid an initial £10m for Lankshear but the price could double if all potential add-ons are triggered as Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi continues to rebuild his squad.
The former Premier League 2 Player of the Season enjoyed a productive loan spell at Oxford United last season, prompting Middlesbrough’s interest. Lankshear scored 12 goals in 47 games across all competitions and was a standout performer, despite the club’s relegation from the Championship.
He would become Boro’s record signing should his performance-related clauses be met and Spurs could net a further profit if Lankshear does thrive at the Riverside. Tottenham have negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal, repeating a transfer trick the club used when discussing Troy Parrott’s move to AZ Alkmaar in 2024.
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The former Spurs starlet was consistently regarded as one of the team’s hottest prospects but only made four senior appearances for the club. Parrott completed a £6.7m move to AZ, following an earlier loan spell with Eredivisie side Excelsior, and the Republic of Ireland international has thrived in the Netherlands.
The 24-year-old scored an incredible 31 goals in 48 games last term, registering 12 assists. His prolific form led to links of a £25m move to AC Milan this summer, which would see Spurs earn £5m through their sell-on clause.
It remains to be seen whether Spurs will reap lucrative rewards for their potentially shrewd sell-on clauses when Parrott and Lankshear eventually move from their respective clubs. However, Lankshear’s immediate focus will be on helping Boro secure Premier League promotion.
Upon leaving Tottenham, the striker posted a heartfelt message on social media. In an Instagram post, he wrote: “After 4 incredible seasons at Tottenham, my time has come to an end.
“I’d like to thank all the staff, players and fans for making my time so enjoyable and helping me along the journey. Tottenham will always be engraved in my heart. Thank you.”
Lankshear became the fifth player to complete a permanent move away from Spurs this summer. Alejo Veliz has joined Brazilian side Bahia, Alfie Devine was sold to Preston North End, while Manchester United snapped up Tynan Thompson. Notably, Brighton paid a club-record fee for young defender Luka Vuskovic, while Radu Dragusin has been loaned to Fiorentina.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has been busy reshaping his squad in the transfer window. His former club Brighton opted to sign Vuskovic after the Italian coach chose to pursue a £52m deal for Jan Paul van Hecke.
De Zerbi has been eager to revamp his backline with centre-back Marcos Senesi and left-back Andy Robertson arriving as free agents from Bournemouth and Liverpool, respectively. Martin Dubravka also brings experienced goalkeeping cover.
However, Tottenham’s transfer window has so far been defined by two marquee midfield signings. Spurs wrapped up an £85m deal for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes before once again breaking their transfer record with a £100m move for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali a few days later.