West Bromwich Albion’s 2024-25 season ended in frustration, but the club’s transfer misfire involving Tottenham Hotspur loanee Will Lankshear has taken an even stranger turn. The 21-year-old flopped during his loan spell at The Hawthorns, yet his recent resurgence at Oxford United has now made him a hot property in the Championship.
What went wrong for Lankshear at West Brom?
Lankshear arrived at West Bromwich Albion on deadline day in January 2025, but his spell in the Black Country was a disaster. The Baggies, sitting 7th in the Championship at Christmas, needed firepower but got little from the young striker. Limited to just 11 appearances-four of them starts-he failed to score a single goal in an Albion shirt. His lack of gametime was compounded by Adam Armstrong’s loan arrival, who took the striking spots Lankshear hoped to fill.
The team’s form collapsed under Tony Mowbray, who was sacked in April 2025 after just five wins in 18 games. Lankshear’s struggles mirrored Albion’s wider issues: a demoralised side lacked creativity, and the loanee’s inexperience showed in front of goal. By the season’s end, Baggies fans were relieved to see the back of him.
Why his Oxford United revival stuns West Brom fans
Lankshear’s move to Oxford United on loan for the 2025-26 season proved transformative. The striker rediscovered his form, becoming a key player for the League One side. His resurgence has now put him in the shop window, with Wolves and Southampton both interested in making permanent moves for the 21-year-old.
Spurs, however, have rejected bids in the region of £10m, leaving West Bromwich Albion’s decision to loan him out looking even more baffling. The Baggies’ hierarchy must now wonder how a player who couldn’t cut it in the Championship became a target for two rival clubs.
What’s next for West Brom and Lankshear?
West Bromwich Albion ended the 2024-25 season 21st in the Championship with 51 points from 46 games, six adrift of the play-offs and 44 behind Coventry’s title-winning total. Their recent form-last six matches: loss, draw, win, win, draw, loss-shows no clear upward trend.
For Lankshear, the focus is on securing a permanent move away from Spurs. Wolves and Southampton remain interested, but Spurs’ valuation could scupper any deal. If he does leave, it’ll be a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. League standing: 21st in Championship, 51 pts, 13W-14D-19L from 46 games, recent form LDWWD.
