Do Spurs still need to sign another striker after Dominic Solanke?
The good news is, that Tottenham Hotspur have secured the services of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for a decent fee. Even though the numbers are substantial, the club’s demands have to see themselves met, and the signing of the 26-year-old is a step in the right direction, there remain questions on depth.
The Lilywhites triggered the £65m clause in his contract and after that, Solanke signed a six-year deal at the club (Transfermarkt). Now, the question is, do Spurs need to get on board another striker, or trust their current squad?
Following Solanke’s acquisition, the striker situation at Tottenham looks like this. The Englishman himself, Richarlison, Timo Werner and 20-year-old Dane Scarlett, who joined the first-team earlier this season after a disappointing loan spell at Ipswich Town, where he went goalless in 12 appearances. However, his appearances for the Spurs youth sides paint a totally different picture, and he is a beast for those sides scoring 27 goals and securing five assists in 38 appearances. Let’s come back to the main agenda, that is, whether or not Spurs need to sign another attacker after Dominic Solanke.
Uncertain Future of Richarlison?
The main reason for this dilemma is Spurs’ interest in Jonathan David of Lille which we took note of previously. Richarlison faces an uncertain future at the club, and the club has to see where that leaves them.
David has been on Tottenham’s radar for a while now. His goal-scoring prowess in Ligue 1 and his versatility to play across the front line make him an attractive option for any top European club. Spurs’ interest in David isn’t just about adding another name to the roster; it’s about securing a forward who could potentially lead their attack for years to come.
His potential arrival could completely change the dynamics of Tottenham’s striking options. Unlike Richarlison and Werner, who have struggled with consistency, David has shown he can deliver regularly at a high level. Last season alone, he scored 26 goals and secured nine assists in 47 appearances across all competitions for his club.
Bringing in David could provide Spurs with a reliable and proven goalscorer who can take the burden off Solanke and offer more competition for places. Richarlison’s future at Tottenham is a significant factor in this dilemma. Despite his obvious talent and work rate, the Brazilian forward has yet to fully convince in North London. His performances have been patchy, with moments of brilliance often overshadowed by missed opportunities and inconsistency.
A world-class partner for Solanke
If Spurs are serious about competing at the highest level, they need to consider whether Richarlison can truly be the reliable backup or even the partner Solanke needs in the long term.
Given Richarlison’s uncertain future, Spurs must evaluate their options carefully. If the club decides to offload him, either in January or next summer, it would free up space both in the squad and on the wage bill, making room for a player like David. This potential scenario adds a layer of complexity to Tottenham’s decision-making process: do they stick with Richarlison and hope he turns his form around, or do they cash in on him and invest in a more consistent performer like David?
Another part of consideration is how David would fit into the current squad. Spurs already have Solanke, who is likely to be their primary centre-forward, and Werner, who, while on loan, provides additional depth. However, Werner’s stay at the club is temporary, and his long-term future remains uncertain.
This means that if Richarlison were to leave, Tottenham would be left with just Solanke and Scarlett as their main strikers which is hardly an ideal situation for a club with ambitions of competing on multiple fronts. Son Heung-min provides a versatile option, but his best position remains on the wing, where he can influence the game most effectively. Given these considerations, it might be wise for Tottenham to keep an eye on the market and be prepared to bring in another striker in January if necessary.
How good can David be?
David’s versatility would be a major asset. He can operate as a central striker, but he’s also comfortable playing in a supporting role or even out wide. This flexibility could allow Ange Postecoglou to deploy different tactical setups depending on the opposition, giving Spurs more options in attack.
Given the relatively modest £25m [as per Football Insider] required to sign him, David presents a cost-effective solution to Spurs’ striker dilemma. In today’s market, where prices for top-tier strikers often soar well above £50m, securing a player of David’s calibre for half that amount would be a smart move by Tottenham’s management.
With David’s arrival, Tottenham would have a young and hungry striker who is eager to prove himself in the Premier League. This kind of motivation can often be the difference in tight matches, where a moment of quality is needed to secure the win. David’s record in Ligue 1 suggests he has the ability to be that difference-maker for Spurs, providing them with the cutting edge they need to break into the top four and beyond.
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All in all, Tottenham have ticked the main box, which is the signing of Solanke. The opportunity to bring in Jonathan David for the fee he’s available for is too good to pass up. Given Richarlison’s uncertain future and the need for a more reliable goal scorer, David would not only enhance the squad’s depth but also provide a potential long-term solution in the number nine role. If they do sign him, then this calculated gamble could be the catalyst that propels them back to the pinnacle of English and European football.
