Will Lankshear: The 'Kane-esque' striker Spurs may regret letting go

Will Lankshear's impressive goal-scoring form for Middlesbrough has led to regret among some Tottenham Hotspur supporters, with the young striker drawing comparisons to England captain Harry Kane. Lankshear has netted nine goals in 12 appearances for Middlesbrough since joining in the summer.

His latest goal secured a 1-0 victory against Wolves, extending his impressive run and highlighting a stark contrast with his former club. While Middlesbrough sits in the Championship's automatic promotion places, Tottenham has struggled, remaining in the Premier League relegation zone. The forward's goal-scoring tally has even matched Tottenham's combined total from their own forwards in the league.

Lankshear, 21, transferred to Middlesbrough on a five-year contract for an initial fee of around £10 million, potentially rising to a club record £20 million with add-ons. This move occurred amidst Tottenham's significant summer spending.

"A lot of fans are wondering why he was sold," said Ali Speechly, co-chair of the Women of the Lane supporters' group. "It was likely to do with money... I was definitely disappointed. Given how badly we have started this season, as a fan it feels like the wrong decision."

Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson commented on the importance of first-team football for young players. "If you are a young kid at a club where you are not getting any first-team football and you get the opportunity to go and play men's football, you should go," Robinson told BBC Sport. "Getting first-team football is the best grounding you can get."

Lankshear previously scored 23 goals for Tottenham's U23 team in the 2023-24 Premier League 2 season and featured for the senior side in the Europa League, notably scoring and being sent off against Galatasaray. His move to Middlesbrough was seen as an opportunity to gain consistent senior playing time.

Middlesbrough has developed a reputation for nurturing young talent, with players like Morgan Rogers having used the Riverside Stadium as a stepping stone to Premier League clubs. For Boro, Lankshear provides the skillful, physical presence in front of goal that their creative but sometimes blunt attack has needed.

"Boro was a team that made a boatload of chances, and he knew he would be able to get on the end of them," said BBC Tees commentator Mark Drury. "But what people have been impressed with is his instinctive finishing – one touch, just being in the right place."

Drury also noted Lankshear's physical presence, describing him as "taller and stockier than he might look from the sidelines," and possessing "all the tools - good with both feet and in the air."

Comparisons to Harry Kane are evident due to his career path and physical similarities. "I can understand the comparisons with Harry Kane," Robinson stated. "He has headed down a similar career path to Harry and, physically, he has a similar stature as well."

Lankshear's journey mirrors Kane's in some respects, including early career setbacks. Initially released by Arsenal's academy, he signed with Sheffield United before joining Spurs for £2 million at age 17. His loan spells also had mixed results, with an unimpressive stint at West Brom followed by a more productive period at Oxford United.

"Harry Kane didn't always have brilliantly successful loan spells, they are not always a marker of a player," said Speechly. "He is a real poacher and has a strong work ethic. It is very Kane-esque."

Tottenham does not hold an immediate buy-back option for Lankshear. The deal includes clauses allowing them to match any future accepted bid from another club and a 20% sell-on fee for any profit Middlesbrough makes on a future sale. However, there is a recognition that Middlesbrough is benefiting from his presence while they can.

Lankshear's form has been so strong that he has been mentioned as a potential call-up for England, even with talk of manager Thomas Tuchel considering players outside the Premier League. If he continues his current trajectory, a step up to the top flight, potentially to succeed the aging Harry Kane, is not out of the question.