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Tottenham Hotspur have rejected three eight-figure offers for 21-year-old forward Will Lankshear, according to football.london. The club turned down approaches from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, and Sporting Lisbon, as Spurs evaluate whether to keep the striker under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Tottenham Reject Eight-Figure Bids for Will Lankshear
Tottenham Hotspur are holding firm on the valuation of Will Lankshear despite significant interest from both domestic and European markets. According to football.london, the North London club has dismissed three separate offers that were structured either as permanent transfers or loans with an obligation to buy.
The suitors include Championship sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton, as well as Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon. While the exact sums weren’t disclosed, the report notes the bids reached “eight figures.”
Lankshear’s stock has risen following a productive period away from N17. The striker spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at West Bromwich Albion before moving to Oxford for the entirety of the 2025-26 campaign.
Did you know? Lankshear is a product of several high-profile youth systems. Before joining Tottenham in 2022, he spent time developing at both Arsenal and Sheffield United.
Oxford United Performance and Young Player of the Season
Lankshear’s time at Oxford served as a statistical breakthrough. He recorded 12 goals in 47 competitive appearances for the “U’s,” with 11 of those goals and four assists coming specifically in 44 Championship matches.
Despite Lankshear’s individual form, he could not keep Oxford in the second tier. His contributions were enough to earn him the club’s Young Player of the Season award, which has directly fueled the current transfer interest from other top-flight and second-tier clubs.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Role in Lankshear’s Future
The final decision on Lankshear’s tenure at Spurs rests with manager Roberto De Zerbi. The striker has returned for pre-season training, providing De Zerbi the opportunity to assess his fit within the current tactical setup.
According to the report, a decision may be reached before the squad departs for their pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia next week. De Zerbi must weigh Lankshear’s goal-scoring record against a crowded attacking line.
The Striker Hierarchy at Spurs
Lankshear faces a steep climb for playing time. Tottenham currently employ Dominic Solanke and Richarlison as their primary center-forward options. Football.london reports that the club is also looking to add further strength to the center-forward position.
However, a vacancy could open. Richarlison has only one year remaining on his contract, which may prompt a departure this summer, potentially opening a pathway for Lankshear to integrate into the first team.
Comparison: Lankshear’s Loan Output
| Metric | Oxford United (25/26) | Tottenham First Team |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 47 | 3 |
| Goals | 12 | Sourced as limited |
| Honors | Young Player of the Season | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clubs tried to sign Will Lankshear?
According to football.london, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, and Sporting Lisbon all made approaches.
How many goals did Lankshear score at Oxford?
He scored 12 goals in 47 competitive appearances, with 11 of those coming in the Championship.
Will Lankshear stay at Tottenham?
Tottenham have not yet made a final decision. Manager Roberto De Zerbi is currently assessing him during pre-season training.
What do you think of Spurs’ decision to turn down eight-figure bids for a young striker? Should Lankshear fight for a spot or seek another loan? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest North London transfer updates.
