S Poddar
A story is brewing in North London, which is saying Tottenham Hotspur is now in advanced talks with AFC Bournemouth over acquiring striker Dominic Solanke. This came just one day after Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou himself announced the need for a “No. 9” at the head of his attacking tactics.
The one is Solanke, a powerhouse 26-year-old who enjoyed a breakout year with Bournemouth last year, scoring a very respectable 19 times in the Premier League. That form hasn’t just caught the eye of Tottenham; it also ensures the trigger of a £65 million release clause in his contract, applicable to select clubs.
This move for Solanke simply plays into Postecoglou’s vision for Spurs. An ambitious manager basking in the aftermath of a change in team playing style, he has remained loud about his needs at the top for a target man—a role that feels tailor-made for Solanke.
Meanwhile, across the pitch, there is some cheering news for the fans of Tottenham. Brazilian striker Richarlison has put a dampener on all transfer speculation by showing his interest in staying at the club. His heart seems to be for not only playing in the Premier League but also fulfilling the ambition of playing for the national team of Brazil, otherwise called the Selecao. Richarlison’s commitment will prove to be a shot in the arm for Spurs to shore up their attack.
Well, the transfer window is not yet closed. Even Postecoglou knows there is yet more to do. “That’s the anxiety that’s always going to come with the transfer market,” he agrees, referring to the inevitable gnashing of teeth that comes with a process largely outside his hands. “The key is to stay calm, stay disciplined. If you stay that way, you’ll get what you want by August 30th.” That, at least, is what he tells himself—August 30th, circled in every fan’s calendar and manager’s diary alike, the day the transfer window slams shut.
Will Solanke fit the bill and be that final missing piece in Postecoglou’s attacking puzzle? Only time will tell. What is certain, however, is that Tottenham Hotspur is actually doing something to shape their team for next season, and fans will look with bated breath at how that materializes onto the pitch.
