Tottenham’s summer rebuild is already well underway. Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Jan Paul Van Hecke, and Martin Dubravka have already arrived through the door, but what about the youngsters who are already waiting at Hotspur Way?
With so many new signings expected this summer, opportunities for academy players may appear limited at first glance. However, the World Cup will leave a number of senior players reporting back late for pre-season, creating a valuable opening for some of Tottenham’s brightest young talents to impress Roberto De Zerbi.
Pre-season has often provided the platform for young players to force their way into first-team plans, and this summer could be no different.
Here are five academy stars who could be ready to take the next step.
1. Will Lankshear could become Tottenham’s back-up striker
The 21-year-old striker was widely tipped for a breakthrough campaign last season but instead spent the year on loan at Oxford United in the Championship. Despite Oxford’s relegation, Lankshear enjoyed a productive spell, scoring 12 goals in 47 appearances.
He already has first-team experience at Tottenham, most notably during Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League-winning campaign in 2025. He also scored his first senior goal for the club in a 3-2 defeat against Galatasaray.
With no new striker yet arriving and questions remaining over the form and fitness of both Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, there is a genuine opportunity for Lankshear to make an impression this summer. A strong pre-season could put him firmly in contention for minutes under De Zerbi.
2. Callum Olusesi could provide Sandro Tonali cover
At just 19 years of age, Callum Olusesi looks perfectly suited to De Zerbi’s possession-based style of football. Comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and capable of progressing play through midfield, he possesses many of the qualities required to thrive in the new system.
The youngster has already been involved around the first-team squad on numerous occasions and made a brief Champions League appearance during Tottenham’s 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid last season.
Competition for places in midfield will be fierce, and a loan move remains the most likely outcome this season. Even so, Olusesi has all the attributes to develop into an important player for Tottenham in the years ahead.
3. Luca Williams-Barnett has the electricity Tottenham need
Widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Tottenham’s academy in recent years, the sky is the limit for the 17-year-old winger.
Williams-Barnett made his senior debut in last season’s EFL Cup victory over Doncaster, coming on as a late substitute in a comfortable 3-0 win. Although his appearance was brief, his quality was immediately apparent. Every time he received possession there was a sense of anticipation around the stadium.
Given his age, Tottenham are unlikely to send him out on loan just yet. Instead, he is expected to spend much of the season training with the first team while continuing his development in Premier League 2. With several attacking players still unavailable through injury and no further reinforcements arriving so far, pre-season presents a real opportunity for him to catch the manager’s eye.
4. Tyrese Hall is highly-rated at Spurs
Tyrese Hall enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Notts County last season, making 34 appearances while contributing seven goals and one assist.
The midfielder also reached an important milestone in his career by making his senior international debut for Jamaica during their World Cup play-off defeat to Congo. Just a month later, he earned his first start in a 2-0 victory over India.
Hall is another midfielder who excels at driving play forward. He has a knack for arriving in dangerous positions and making a meaningful contribution in the final third.
Now 21, Hall is approaching a crucial stage of his development. Another loan move appears likely, but a step higher up the football pyramid could provide a clearer indication of whether he is capable of challenging for a long-term role at Tottenham.
5. Rio Kyerematen is one to watch for Tottenham
Rio Kyerematen is the only player on this list yet to make a senior appearance, although he has been named in Tottenham matchday squads on several occasions.
His performances in Premier League 2 have been highly encouraging. Across 21 starts last season, he registered seven goals and four assists while consistently influencing games from midfield.
While his attacking numbers stand out, Kyerematen is equally valued for his ability to break up opposition attacks, regain possession and quickly transition his side onto the front foot.
The next step in his development is regular first-team football. A season-long loan would appear to be the ideal pathway and could provide the platform for another highly-rated academy talent to fulfil his potential.