Will Lankshear, a former Tottenham academy striker, has scored 10 goals for Middlesbrough this season, matching Manchester City's Erling Haaland as the only other player to reach double figures across English football's top four divisions. Tottenham, struggling for goals, hold matching rights that could allow them to re-sign the 21-year-old.
Lankshear's standout season at Middlesbrough
Lankshear joined Middlesbrough from Spurs in the summer for a fee that could rise to £20 million. He has taken the Championship by storm, with his goals helping Middlesbrough's Premier League promotion push. Midway through October, he is already in double figures across all competitions.
The former academy striker answered the ultimate footballing cliche—'Can he do it on a cold, rainy Tuesday night in Stoke?'—at the first time of asking for his new club.
Tottenham's matching-rights clause
Tottenham focused on maximising player sales from their academy during the summer window, but for players they believed could secure big-money moves in the future, they included a matching-rights clause. Lankshear and his former Spurs teammate Ashley Phillips were two players they were keen not to lose complete control over, alongside teenage winger Tynan Thompson, who joined Manchester United.
With matching rights in place for both Phillips and Lankshear, Tottenham will have the right to equal any future bid that Middlesbrough accepts for either player, with Spurs then given priority to finalise a deal ahead of any rival suitor.
Potential return to Spurs
If Lankshear keeps scoring at his current rate, Tottenham will no doubt be interested in taking him back to the club. Even if they decline to use their matching rights, they still hold a 20 per cent sell-on clause should the England youth international move from Middlesbrough to another club.
Given Spurs' struggles in front of goal, Lankshear's development will be watched closely. Tottenham are determined to ensure this is not the one that gets away.
