As the summer transfer window heats up, Postecoglou sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in a deal that could be worth up to £65m, providing the 26-year-old striker with another chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. Solanke’s move to Tottenham is Bournemouth’s club record sale, and it’s a testament to the player’s hard work and dedication to his craft.
The Rise of Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke’s journey to the top has not been easy. The Chelsea academy product was prolific at youth level for the Blues and played a key role in England Under-20s’ World Cup win in 2017, finishing joint-top scorer with four goals. However, his sole Chelsea appearance came as a substitute in a Champions League win against NK Maribor in 2014, and he moved to Liverpool for about £3m at the end of his contract in 2017.
Solanke’s time at Liverpool was marked by struggles to establish himself in the first team. He made 21 appearances in his first season at Anfield, 16 of them from the bench, scoring just once. He did not play for the Reds the following campaign before joining Bournemouth for £19m in January 2019. Questions about his goalscoring abilities remained, and he netted just three times in his first 42 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth.
A Season to Remember
However, Solanke’s fortunes changed last season. He enjoyed a season to remember, scoring 19 goals in the Premier League and establishing himself as one of the country’s leading forwards. His performances caught the attention of Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who believes Solanke will be the perfect fit for his system.
Postecoglou said, “Solanke’s running ability, pressing skills, and goal output make him an ideal signing for us. He isn’t going to pin all his hopes on Solanke scoring goals, though, as his style of play should mean players from all over the pitch will chip in.”
Is Solanke Value for Money?
There are mixed views about Solanke’s price tag, especially considering last season’s 19 goals was the first time he has scored more than 10 in a Premier League campaign. Football Transfers, a platform that uses player data algorithms to derive Estimated Player Values (ETV), believes Solanke is worth £33.1m.
However, Solanke’s value lies in his ability to score goals and create chances for his teammates. He compares well in other areas, ranking fourth in the Premier League for expected goals (xG) in 2023-24 (19.6), third for shots (109), and sixth for touches in the opposition box (239).
A Good Fit for Tottenham
Solanke’s numbers also suggest he is a good fit for Tottenham’s intense pressing game. Spurs one of the few teams who pressed more than Bournemouth last campaign, and Solanke led the Premier League last season for pressures (1,242), pressures in the final third (703), and pressures in the final third resulting in a turnover (142).
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has admitted the Cherries will struggle to replace Solanke, saying, “Dominic deserved to be called up for the Euros and to not be was a blow for him. He has given us everything he has, but to sign someone like Dom is almost impossible.”
The Future of Tottenham’s Attack
With Solanke on board, Tottenham’s attack is looking stronger than ever. The 26-year-old striker will be playing in the Europa League with Spurs in the coming season and hoping a move to one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ will help him add to his solitary England cap.
Postecoglou’s faith in Richarlison remains unwavering, and the Brazilian striker will continue to play a key role in the team. However, Solanke’s arrival provides Tottenham with another option up front, and his ability to score goals and create chances for his teammates will be invaluable.
As the new season approaches, Tottenham fans will be eager to see Solanke in action. With his pace, power, and finishing ability, he has the potential to be a game-changer for the team. And with Postecoglou at the helm, Solanke will have the perfect platform to showcase his skills and prove himself as one of the top strikers in the Premier League.