Tottenham can lean on Oxford United 'workhouse' and 'technician' duo if relegated to Championship - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur face a make or break run of seven Premier League fixtures under the new management of Roberto De Zerbi, with relegation a real threat for the London outfit.

Spurs have not won a league fixture in 2026 and teeter in 17th place, just one point above the drop zone. De Zerbi takes on Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton and Everton before the end of the campaign, will all of those sides having plenty to play for with European football on the cards.

Relegation to the Championship would be nothing short of a disaster for Tottenham with football finance expert Kieran Maguire estimating that it would cost the club a whopping £250 million.

Should that happen, Spurs will need a historically busy transfer window to slash down their wage bill and bring in players with Championship experience. LondonWorld headed down to the Kassam Stadium on Good Friday to watch two loanees who could be a real asset, should the unthinkable happen.

Tottenham fans won’t want to think about relegation but the progress of Will Lankshear and Jamie Donley at Oxford United is certainly food for thought. The former joined the U’s at the start of the season with Donley arriving in January.

It’s reported that Oxford United hold an option to buy both players but whether the club are able to do so largely depends on their division for next season. Matt Bloomfield’s side currently sit 23rd in the Championship and relegation to League One could make the Spurs duo unaffordable.

A failure to buy the players and a subsequent return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be nothing short of ideal, should Roberto De Zerbi’s side be relegated. The pair’s chemistry was plain to see in the 1-1 draw against Hull City and both showed an attitude that would be a vital uplift following relegation.

Tottenham loan duo could provide Championship boost

The bit between his teeth, Donley took just two minutes to whip a dangerous ball into the back post from a free kick. Seconds later, he completed a smooth swivel to punt a through ball up to Lankshear. The midfield pops up all over the pitch and has a handy knack of making the ball stick to his feet - whether distributing quickly or holding up, he’s a real technician.

Lankshear himself was a workhorse leading the line. The striker ran himself into the ground and looked like a gladiator emerging from battle when given a standing ovation from the Kassam after a late sub, barely able to walk in a straight line as was his exhaustion.

The former West Brom loanee is easily spotted thanks to his broad shoulders, which allowed him to go toe-to-toe with one of the league’s most physical defenders in Semi Ajayi. Where the likes of Richarlison, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus would have their work cut out adapting to the physicality of the Championship, it’s something the 20-year-old excels in.

Lankshear is not just a target man, however. The striker boasts a fearsome pace and used it to break through the Tigers’ defence to draw a foul and win the penalty that saw his side level.

The bagsman, who made his senior Spurs debut in a Europa League clash in October 2024, is also an important vocal presence. Lankshear was constantly communicating with teammates and would not stand for the slack performances that currently plague his parent club.

Neither player is the finished product. Donley fluffed a golden chance on the stroke of half time and Lankshear has just three goals since the turn of the year. There should be, nonetheless, optimism that the duo could lead a promotion push if relegation happens.

It’s all eyes on the Premier League for Tottenham but Lankshear and Donley could be two very important names at the club in four months’ time.

In other news, Ex Tottenham star embarrassed on Sky Sports after outlandish relegation claim.