Tottenham Hotspur has finalized a £65 million deal with Bournemouth for striker Dominic Solanke.
The agreement includes an upfront payment of £55 million, with an additional £10 million in potential bonuses.
Solanke, who has signed a six-year contract that keeps him at Spurs until 2030, is set to attend Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich this Saturday.
According to Sky Sports News, Solanke, 26, had a £65 million release clause in his contract, activated if a top Premier League club expressed interest.
Liverpool, Solanke’s former club, stands to benefit from a substantial sell-on fee due to a clause included in his transfer to Bournemouth in 2019. Solanke made 27 appearances for Liverpool during the 2017/18 season.
After a standout season with 19 Premier League goals, Solanke was absent from Bournemouth’s recent pre-season match against Rayo Vallecano due to a foot injury.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, recognizing the need for reinforcements in the forward line, emphasized the importance of adding another striker, “You know we play a certain way. We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it’s going be a striker that fits that mould. It’s still the area of the park we’re really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that’s a focus for us.”
Bournemouth’s chief executive, Neill Blake, acknowledged Solanke’s departure, praising his contributions to the club, “After Dominic’s performances for us – in particular his impressive 2023/24 season – it has come as no surprise that a team of Tottenham’s calibre has shown an interest. This move has developed quickly, but Dominic has remained professional throughout and I’d like to thank him for that. His development since arriving in 2019 is a credit to his work rate and endeavour, as well as the platform AFC Bournemouth gives young talent to grow. We’re pleased to secure a club-record fee for Dominic, and he also leaves with everyone’s sincere well wishes at AFC Bournemouth.”
The signing of Solanke could significantly impact Tottenham’s attacking options.
Following Harry Kane’s departure last summer, the club has struggled to find a consistent replacement, with Richarlison and Heung-Min Son sharing the role.
However, Spurs fans know that Son excels when cutting in from the wing, and Richarlison’s inconsistent form and fitness have been concerns.
With Spurs back in European competitions and aiming for a strong league finish, the acquisition of Solanke, who netted 19 goals for Bournemouth last season, seems timely. At 26, the former Chelsea and Liverpool forward is entering his prime.
Known for his predatory instincts in the box, Solanke scored 17 of his 19 goals last season from inside the area.
With Tottenham ranking fourth in the Premier League for crosses per game in 2023/24, Solanke could be the perfect player to capitalize on those opportunities.
