Tottenham Hotspur’s summer overhaul shows no signs of slowing, having already shelled out upwards of £235 million on six fresh faces, with Roberto De Zerbi still expected to bring in reinforcements before the window shuts.
The Spurs head coach wants further attacking options ahead of 2026/27, and the squad rebuild also involves a number of exits. Luka Vuskovic has already sealed his switch to Brighton & Hove Albion, while Cristian Romero, Richarlison and Guglielmo Vicario are each expected to depart North London before long.
One of those exits is now confirmed, with rising striker Will Lankshear sealing a permanent transfer to Middlesbrough.
The move was announced on Tottenham’s official website, closing the book on Lankshear’s four years at the club. The Championship outfit have reportedly struck a £14 million deal, which could rise to £20 million once add-ons are factored in.
The 21-year-old had suitors both domestically and overseas but chose Middlesbrough, where regular game time awaits. He’s put pen to paper on a five-year deal with Michael Carrick’s team, who fought off competition from other Championship clubs to land him.
Spurs have also protected their future interests by inserting a 20% sell-on clause along with matching rights on any subsequent sale.
Lankshear arrived at Tottenham from Sheffield United back in 2022 for roughly £2 million and swiftly emerged as one of the academy’s brightest prospects. He topped the scoring charts as Spurs’ Under-21s claimed the Premier League 2 title in 2023/24, a campaign that also saw him crowned the division’s Player of the Season.
He made his first-team bow in the Europa League against Ferencvaros in October 2024, then netted his maiden senior goal versus Galatasaray a month later — though he was also dismissed in that same fixture.
Loan spells added to his development too, starting with West Bromwich Albion before a strong 2025/26 stint at Oxford United, where he bagged 12 goals in 47 outings and picked up the club’s Young Player of the Year prize.
Given his rapid progress over the last year, Middlesbrough were prepared to pay a substantial fee to bring him in. With the Teesside club looking to bounce back after just missing out on promotion last time round, Lankshear is expected to be a central figure in their bid for the Premier League.
