Tottenham’s Will Lankshear Set for Next Development Loan as Middlesbrough and Millwall Circle

The 2025-2026 season in the English Championship ended in significant disappointment for Oxford United. 

The months-long battle for survival gave way to sorrow following unfortunate results in the final weeks, and Oxford United has officially been relegated to the lower tier, League One. 

However, within this dark season, 21-year-old young goalscorer Will Lankshear, arriving on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, practically resisted alone with a tremendous performances. 

Despite his team’s relegation, Lankshear, who provided a goal contribution of 12 goals and 4 assists, became a consolation for Oxford fans while managing to attract plenty of interest this upcoming summer. 

Oxford Down, Lankshear Rising

The summary of the season for Oxford United was "defensive frailties and unfinished matches." 

Although, Lankshear managed to completely separate himself from this negative picture.

Involved in nearly a third of the goals scored by his team, Lankshear was named Player of the Season at Oxford United. He gave his team hope until the very last moment with 2 goals scored in the Sheffield Wednesday match on April 25th, the overall performance could not prevent relegation.

In Oxford’s defensive and counter-attack-based system, Lankshear, fighting alone at the top of the formation with his pace and physical strength, took significant steps toward becoming a "big game player."

With the conclusion of the season, Lankshear has officially returned to his parent club, Tottenham.

Roberto De Zerbi’s New Favourite?

Sitting in the managerial chair at Tottenham Hotspur, Roberto De Zerbi is known for the importance he places on young players. Lankshear’s performance at Oxford has entered the Italian boss's radar.

Although the Tottenham management is aware that Lankshear’s market value is approaching the £20 million mark, they do not want to lose the player entirely. 

The club is currently maintaining the "not for sale" tag for Lankshear, whom they see as the greatest potential to emerge from the academy since Harry Kane.

The young player will participate in Tottenham’s pre-season camp, regardless whether the club are in the Premier League or Championship. De Zerbi will decide during this camp whether or not to use the player directly in the first-team rotation.

Middlesbrough, Millwall, and the Premier League Line

Middlesbrough are preparing to revive their interest by improving the offer they made in January, when they attempted to hijack Oxford United’s existing loan agreement. Boro are now keen to secure another season-long loan as they look to add a proven goalscorer to spearhead their push for Premier League promotion next term.

Millwall are looking to blend the player’s physical strength with their own club identity, with the transfer committee set to hold initial talks with his representatives. Lankshear is also understood to be a player of interest to the club, with that admiration expected to remain even if Millwall secure promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs.

Additionally, it is reported that sides like Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town have enquired about the player’s status with Tottenham and are negotiating over a loan option. 

Contract Status and Financial Background

Lankshear’s contract with Tottenham runs until June 2029. The club’s decision to sign such a long-term deal is the greatest indicator of their faith in the player.

The wages the player earned at Oxford will be revised along with his new role at Tottenham. If he goes out on loan, a condition will be sought for the loaning club to cover a large portion of his salary.

Under current market conditions, for a homegrown forward who is 21 years old and has scored 12 goals in the Championship, Tottenham’s demand will not fall below the £15 million level.