AFC Bournemouth have sold last seasons top goalscorer Dominic Solanke to Tottenham Hotspur for what is officially “a club record fee”, it has been widely reported as £57 million which includes add-ons which if realised will see the fee rise to £65 million.
⚪️🔐 Tottenham and Bournemouth have also signed all documents for Dominic Solanke deal.
£65m package (£57m plus add-ons), confirmed. pic.twitter.com/TK9gosfKsP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2024
That figure matches the £65 million release clause, “that can only be activated by certain clubs“, which was heavily touted all summer.
The 26-year-old leaves the Cherries having made 216 appearances in all competitions, scoring 77 goals.
That includes 44 goals in the Championship, along with 15 assists across two seasons, culminating in automatic promotion in 2022.
During his first season back in the Premier League for the 2022/23 campaign Solanke had 13 goal contributions, including 6 goals under former head coaches Scott Parker and Gary O’Neil.
As a focal point under Iraola, which included more attacking emphasis, Solanke’s goal contributions skyrocketed to 22, including 19 goals and was a consideration for England manager Gareth Southgate for the recent UEFA European Championships in Germany.
Solanke posted a heartfelt message on social media after the news was announced.
In it he said…
“…I came here a boy just looking to play regular football. I’ll now be leaving a better man on and off the pitch and it’s all down to the live, help and faith you’ve all given me…”
“…thank you to all the managers I’ve had during my time here (Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall, Jonathan Woodgate, Scott Parker, Gary O’Neil, Andoni Iraola). Each and everyone of you helped improve me in different ways and I’ll be forever grateful for that. To all the players I’ve shared the changing room and pitch with it’s been an absolute pleasure! Many top players and people, I wish you all the best, and I’ll never forget you guys!
“Most importantly the fans, a real family. You’ve all stuck with me and been by our side throughout all the ups and downs. You’ve truly been great and I appreciate each and everyone of you. I can’t thank you enough. The club is in a great spot with great ownership and things are only going to get better!
Thank you AFCB❤️. pic.twitter.com/CvNjE3WSk7
— Dom Solanke (@DomSolanke) August 10, 2024
AFC Bournemouth Chief executive Neill Blake told afcb.co.uk…
“When we identified Dominic as a target and brought him to the club five years ago, we did so with the understanding that this was always a possibility.
“As he began to realise the great potential we knew he had, it quickly became in the club’s best interest to protect his value and so we were delighted to agree terms on a new contract last summer.
“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.
“It’s a testament to the character he has always shown while at this club, on and off the pitch.
“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.”
With theoretical money in the bank, it hasn’t taken long for the rumour mill to start turning on just who AFC Bournemouth could target as a replacement for Solanke.
Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer, has previously been linked with a move to the Cherries. Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah was also linked with a move to the south coast at the end of last season, alongside apparent interest from Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Fulham. However it now looks likely he could be making the move to France with Marseille, potentially on loan initially but with an obligation to buy for £25 million.
Barcelona striker Vitor Roque, has been linked along with Roma’s Tammy Abraham, although the former England international would reportedly prefer a move to Milan.
Other reports have seen Atalanta striker El Bilal Touré linked with a surprise move to AFC Bournemouth, despite thoughts that his move to Stuttgart were all but confirmed.
“I think the club is working on it. It’s never easy to sign forwards, especially number 9s with the level close to the one we lost.”#afcb boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to @jordanclarkcouk about Dominic Solanke’s departure and the search for his replacement 🍒🔊⬇️
— BBC Radio Solent Sport (@solentsport) August 10, 2024
Your say…
ANWardy said…
Pretty amazing that we have a thread of “realistic” strikers and it includes Barca strikers who cost 30m and Atalanta stikers who cost 20m. Wowzers the Cherries! Don’t care how much they cost as long as they’re good and want to be here. – To join the conversation, click here.