Will Lankshear, the young striker who's been making waves in the English second division, is now a hot topic in the transfer market. With clubs like Sporting, Southampton, and Wolves showing interest, Tottenham Hotspur finds themselves in a tricky situation. The question on everyone's mind is: should they keep him or sell him?
Lankshear's impressive loan spell at Oxford United, where he scored 11 goals and provided 2 assists, has undoubtedly caught the eye of many. At just 21 years old, he's a player with potential, and his homegrown and club-trained status adds to his value. However, the decision to keep him or sell him is not a straightforward one.
One thing is clear: Lankshear's future at Tottenham is uncertain. With two senior strikers ahead of him and the possibility of Roberto De Zerbi demanding another, his playing time may be limited. This raises the question of whether another loan spell would be beneficial for his development. After all, he's had two consecutive loan spells at West Brom and Oxford, and it's possible he'd prefer to stay put for the upcoming season.
The key to this puzzle lies in Tottenham's decision-making process. If they decide to keep Lankshear, they'll need to consider his role in the squad, especially if they qualify for European competition. His homegrown status and potential as a first-team striker make him an invaluable asset. However, if they choose to sell him, it would likely require a substantial transfer fee, which is a significant investment for a player who hasn't yet proven himself at the Premier League level.
The decision is further complicated by the presence of another talented U23 striker, Mason Melia, on Tottenham's books. The club's choice regarding Lankshear could have a direct impact on Melia's future as well. It's a delicate balance that Tottenham must navigate carefully.
In my opinion, Tottenham should take a cautious approach. They should keep Lankshear around for the preseason, allowing him to train with the team and potentially showcase his skills in friendlies. This would provide valuable insight into his long-term prospects. If he continues to impress, a loan to a good club in the Championship or Bundesliga could be the perfect next step. However, if he struggles, it might be time to re-evaluate his position.
The comparison to Harry Kane is intriguing. While Lankshear's loan career has been impressive, it's too early to predict his senior career trajectory. He might be a diamond in the rough, but only time will tell. Tottenham must make the right decision, balancing his potential with the team's needs and the club's long-term goals.
