Will Lankshear spent nearly a decade in Arsenal’s academy, but now he is determined to become a star for their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal released Lankshear, who grew up in St Albans, only three miles from the first team’s training ground, when he was 15.
The centre-forward rebuilt his confidence with Sheffield United, scoring 38 goals in 43 appearances for the under-18s and under-23s, and lots of clubs expressed an interest in signing him. That included Thomas Frank’s old side, Brentford, who agreed a deal with Sheffield United, but Lankshear decided to join Spurs instead in August 2022.
His career path mimics his idol, a certain Harry Kane, who switched from Arsenal to Spurs at a young age, too.
Three years later, Lankshear is relishing his second pre-season tour with Spurs and the opportunity to play in the first north London derby to be held outside of the United Kingdom, which takes place in Hong Kong’s 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium on Thursday.
“I was let go by Arsenal and it was a really difficult time for me at that stage of growing up,” Lankshear tells a group of journalists, including The Athletic, at an event in Hong Kong. “But it was a blessing because it really matured me. I grew up fast and it was the best thing for me. I was with Arsenal for nine years and they helped me to develop, but I would like nothing more than to score against them and win.”
Lankshear missed the first six months of his debut season with Spurs after having an operation on his knee, but he was exceptional during the 2023-24 campaign. He won the Premier League 2 player of the season award after scoring 23 times for the under-21s, hit an 11-minute hat-trick in a friendly against third-tier side Fleetwood Town, and scored on his England Under-19s debut. He signed a new contract until 2029 and impressed former head coach Ange Postecoglou on last year’s pre-season tour to Japan and South Korea.
Spurs decided to keep the then-teenager for the first six months of the 2024-25 season and he made his Premier League debut as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Fulham in December. He scored his first senior goal in a 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray in the Europa League and boldly celebrated directly in front of their fans in Istanbul. It should have been the best moment of his career, but he was sent off in the second half for two separate clumsy challenges. He then moved to West Bromwich Albion on loan in January.
“There were lots of positives and some negatives, but I learned so much,” the 20-year-old says. “I have grown as a player and a person. I feel so much better now than I did last year. People would say (my biggest lesson is) the red card, but for me it would be broader and getting to terms with the rhythm of men’s football.
“I had a taste of the Premier League, where everything is really intense and everyone is so good. In the Championship, there are more aerial (duels) and it’s more physical. That was my biggest lesson. Being able to adapt. Learning, putting it all together, and trying to get better at everything.”
Lankshear started four times and made 11 appearances in total for West Brom, but he did not score or provide an assist. Tony Mowbray signed Lankshear, but he was sacked in April and replaced by James Morrison on an interim basis. West Brom lost five of their last eight games and failed to reach the play-offs.
This summer, West Brom appointed Postecoglou’s former assistant Ryan Mason as their new manager. Would Lankshear benefit from another loan, or is he ready to fully establish himself in the first team under the new Tottenham head coach, Frank?
“Let’s see what this season brings,” he says. “I feel really fit and strong. I’ve scored in pre-season (against Reading). Whatever I’m told, I am ready to do.
“West Brom was massive for my development. Even though the goals didn’t come, I had some really good games. I learned loads: the managers, what they would like, different systems. I loved it. They treated me really well and I enjoyed it.”
Dane Scarlett was left out of Tottenham’s squad for their pre-season tour to Hong Kong and South Korea so he could explore a potential loan move. Dominic Solanke has travelled to east Asia but is recovering from a minor ankle injury, which means Lankshear and Richarlison are the only fully fit strikers. He is benefiting from working with the first team on a regular basis.
“They are top-class players who have been here and done it for a long time,” Lankshear says. “I watch them in games and think, ‘What can I add to my game? How can I close that gap?’.
“I look at Dom and his running, the goals he scores, and how he gets in the right areas. Richy’s movement in the box is top-class. Son (Heung-min) puts his arm around your shoulders if you need it. He really does help me and the other young lads with his experience. When he says something, you listen.”
Apart from Kane, Lankshear has been heavily influenced by another former Spurs and England striker. During his time in Tottenham’s academy, he worked closely with Jermain Defoe, who scored 156 goals in 480 top-flight appearances. Defoe spent two years working across the different age groups before he left last summer.
“He is one of the most underrated forwards the Premier League has ever had,” Lankshear says. “He was so sharp and taught me so many things. The quick finishing and (shooting with) no back lift. He was amazing for me and he is a good guy as well. He really took care of the young lads and gave good advice. I love him.”
During Tottenham’s open training session at the Kai Tak stadium on Tuesday before the north London derby, Lankshear broke away from the main group along with Yang Min-hyeok. They worked together on a shooting and crossing drill with individual development (IDP) coach Cameron Campbell. It is a role that was created this summer at the request of Frank and sporting director Johan Lange. They both held a similar position at the beginning of their careers when they worked in academies at Danish clubs.
As part of the drill, Lankshear would pass the ball to Yang, who he describes as an “exciting prospect”, while being pressured by Campbell, and then spin into the box to attack a cross.
“I don’t score enough headers,” he says. “I find myself getting in the right positions, but it’s tough getting the right contact and timing. It’s so important to win your headers from goal kicks, from throw-ins, and little flick-ons, too.
“It’s about being ready and getting that opportunity. I got it against Reading. You score and then everything can change. If not, you just keep going. That’s what I’m doing with Cameron. Getting better each day, which is the main thing at this age.”
Lankshear was speaking at a session organised by family literacy charity Bring Me a Book Hong Kong to inspire young people to read as part of Tottenham Hotspur’s traditional support for local charitable organisations on overseas tours.
(Top photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)