Will Lankshear should have thrust himself further into Roberto De Zerbi’s plans at Tottenham for next season after scoring his 10th goal of the season while on loan at Oxford United.
Lankshear’s diving header saw the U’s go 2-1 up at Fratton Park during their huge clash against Championship relegation rivals Portsmouth on Easter Monday.
His side were unable to hold onto the win, but took another step towards safety and a miraculous survival this season after seeming down and out just a few weeks ago.
The 20-year-old has seriously impressed for Oxford throughout his first full campaign in senior football, with double figures scored being a clear sign that he can hold his own in the second tier.
Tottenham’s transfer plans are unclear as they battle against being relegated from the Premier League, but Lankshear should clearly be in new boss De Zerbi’s thoughts now that he has reached such a milestone.
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Will Lankshear could be an asset for Spurs regardless of whether they are relegated
Tottenham are in real trouble of being relegated, with the futures of each of their strikers seeming uncertain, no matter if De Zerbi keeps them up.
Richarlison has scored 10 times in 37 appearances this season, but is approaching the last year of his contract and has been linked with a move away in recent months.
Dominic Solanke has scored relatively regularly, when fit, but has been limited to just 12 league appearances so far, while Randal Kolo Muani is on loan and has flattered to deceive up to now.
All three of those forwards could depart this summer, and each seems more likely to if they do get relegated, potentially leaving De Zerbi with some real work to do to bolster his forward line.
Lankshear is a ready-made Championship forward who would clearly thrive in a much stronger side than relegation-threatened Oxford.
Football Insider recently revealed that Spurs turned down loan offers for Lankshear in January from the likes of Middlesbrough and Ipswich, so he is highly rated across the division.
He has been one of the best in the league for fouls won, possession won in the final third and chances created per 90 minutes.
De Zerbi must be paying attention to his development and making a plan to include him in his squad for 2026-27, especially now that he has hit the 10-goal mark.
Jamie Donley is less likely to make Tottenham return after tough season
Tottenham have another loanee plying their trade with Oxford right now in 21-year-old Donley, but De Zerbi will most likely not be lining him up for a role in his squad next term.
The attacking midfielder has registered just one goal and two assists in 16 appearances this season across separate spells with the U’s and Stoke City.
Oxford hold the option to buy him this summer, which they may well activate if they are able to avoid relegation and feel he has made enough of an impact.
He has not done enough to thrust himself into Spurs’ senior squad for next season, so even if he does return to North London, another loan or a permanent move away seems pretty likely this summer.
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