Luka Vušković and Lankshear are giving Tottenham supporters plenty of reasons to question what might have been.
Tottenham Hotspur's decision to sell Luka Vušković and Will Lankshear during the summer transfer window has come under renewed scrutiny after the pair made impressive starts at Brighton & Hove Albion and Middlesbrough, respectively.
The two departures could eventually generate £70 million for Spurs, though much of that figure depends on performance-related add-ons. Their subsequent performances have raised questions about Tottenham's recruitment strategy and the decision to allow two promising young players to leave permanently.
Luka Vušković completed his move to Brighton in July for an initial £46 million, with a further £4 million available through add-ons.
The Croatian defender departed without making a competitive first-team appearance for Tottenham, having previously impressed during a loan spell with Hamburg in Germany.
The 19-year-old wanted regular senior football, something Tottenham could not guarantee following the summer arrivals of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.Since joining Brighton, Vušković has established himself in their defence, helping the club record four consecutive clean sheets and scoring against Leeds United.
Tottenham negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights, providing some protection should the defender's value continue to increase.
However, his early performances have intensified debate over whether Spurs should have created a pathway into their first team rather than accepting Brighton's offer.
Will Lankshear has also made an immediate impression since moving to Middlesbrough.
The 21-year-old striker joined the Championship club for an initial £10 million, potentially rising to £20 million through performance-related bonuses.
Lankshear has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances, establishing himself among the Championship's most productive forwards. His form follows a successful loan spell at Oxford United last season, where he scored 12 league goals.
Lankshear's performances have drawn extra attention as Tottenham have struggled for goals in the opening months of the Premier League campaign.
Former Spurs striker Darren Bent has already questioned the decision to sell him, suggesting Tottenham underestimated his ability to develop into a Premier League player.
Vušković wanted guaranteed first-team opportunities, while Lankshear faced the challenge of establishing himself in a Premier League attack.
The difference between Championship and Premier League football also makes direct comparisons difficult.Nevertheless, both players are producing encouraging performances at their new clubs while Tottenham continue working to improve their own results.
Spurs have secured substantial transfer income and retained future financial protections. Still, the long-term success of these decisions will depend on how both players develop and whether their replacements justify the investment.
However, Vušković and Lankshear are giving Tottenham supporters plenty of reasons to question what might have been.
