Will Lankshear has opened up about his unforgettable loan spell at Oxford United, revealing that he felt far more like a permanent signing than just a temporary addition. The 21-year-old Tottenham Hotspur striker, who joined the U's for the 2024-25 season, made a massive impact despite the team's relegation from the Championship.

Lankshear finished the campaign as Oxford's top scorer with 12 goals and four assists in 47 appearances, with a particularly strong finish—racking up eight goal contributions in the final 12 matches. "People talk about loans and just being a loanee, but I didn't feel like that," Lankshear told BBC Radio Oxford. "I felt like a signing, like I was there permanently. I made such good relationships with all the contracted players, the physios, everyone at the club. When everyone's so good to me, I couldn't not give my absolute all."

The forward, who joined Tottenham's academy in 2022 and had a brief loan stint at West Bromwich Albion, credits the club's culture for his standout performances. "Every single game I played, I wanted to give back. The fans were so good to me, and I absolutely loved playing in front of them. When you have that vibe, there was nothing else in my mind other than Oxford and helping that club stay up—nothing else."

Lankshear's season had its peaks and valleys. He started strong with five goals before the turn of the year, saw his playing time dip mid-season, but roared back to form when it mattered most. His six appearances for Spurs include a memorable Europa League goal against Galatasaray, showing he has the quality to compete at the highest level.

With his stock at an all-time high, the young striker remains uncertain about his next move but is taking a mature approach. "The end of the season has just come, but I'm sure a conversation will be had. I'll do whatever I get told to do. All I can focus on are the things I can control—like training hard and focusing on next season. It's been a long slog this year, and it's been tough. The body is a bit tired, so now it's just about recovering and looking forward."

Whether he returns to Oxford, earns a spot in Tottenham's first team, or heads elsewhere, Lankshear's loan experience proves that the right club culture can turn a temporary player into a true fan favorite. For young footballers looking to make their mark, his story is a testament to the power of commitment and connection.