Tottenham Hotspur may already have reason to keep a very close eye on Will Lankshear after a stunning prediction was made about the striker just weeks after his permanent departure.
Lankshear left Spurs for Middlesbrough in July and has made an explosive start to life at the Riverside, scoring three times across his opening two appearances.
Now a coach who has worked closely with the 21-year-old believes his value could eventually rocket to £100million.
Tottenham receive huge Will Lankshear warning
Lankshear’s individual striker coach Scott Chickelday has told Sky Sports that the former Tottenham youngster is the “closest thing I have seen to Harry Kane.”
Chickelday believes Lankshear could eventually become England’s leading striker and thinks he could be only two successful transfers away from becoming a £100m player.
Those are enormous predictions, but Lankshear has started quickly.
He scored the winner against Wrexham on his Middlesbrough debut before striking twice against Lincoln City in their Championship opener.
Tottenham officially confirmed Lankshear’s permanent departure for Middlesbrough on 22 July after four years in North London.
TEAMtalk reports that the deal was worth £10m initially and could eventually rise to £20m through add-ons.
The particularly interesting detail for Spurs is what happens if Lankshear fulfils that potential.
Spurs do not have Will Lankshear buyback clause
TEAMtalk reports that Tottenham did not insert a buyback clause into the agreement with Middlesbrough.
Spurs instead possess matching rights, allowing them to match an offer made by another club should Middlesbrough decide to sell him.
That distinction could become expensive.
Tottenham could also undergo further changes at centre-forward before the transfer window closes. Richarlison is keen on returning to Everton, while Roberto De Zerbi is prepared to sanction his departure for the right offer.
Dominic Solanke has meanwhile endured fitness problems heading into the opening weekend.
Selling Lankshear was understandable given his desire for regular first-team football, and two matches are nowhere near enough to judge Tottenham’s decision.
His start at Middlesbrough and the extraordinary prediction from someone who knows his game intimately should nevertheless ensure Spurs continue watching his progress.
If Lankshear gets anywhere close to that £100m valuation, Tottenham’s matching right rather than a straightforward buyback clause could become a particularly important detail.
