Tottenham Hotspur have done well to quickly wrap up a deal for Dominic Solanke, thus, ending Ange Postecoglou’s desire for a new No.9. Dominic Solanke has arrived at the north London off the back of a productive 2023/24 campaign, where he scored 19 goals in 38 Premier League outings.
While Tottenham were busy announcing Solanke’s signing and playing their final pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich, it looks like one of their summer targets is heading to the French capital.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Rennes winger Desire Doue has decided to join Paris Saint-Germain. After being totally committed to the Paris Olympics and helping France win the silver medal in men’s football, he has chosen PSG as the next destination in his career.
“BREAKING: Desire Doue has decided to join Paris Saint-Germain!” Romano tweeted from his official X account.
“After being 100% focused on Olympics, he has made his decision: it’s PSG. Nasser Al Khelaifi, Luis Campos, Luis Enrique all involved for PSG.
“Final details to be clarified soon then… here we go!”
PSG closing in on Desire Doue is a big blow to Spurs, who have been on their list of summer transfer targets. The Lilywhites appreciated the French talent and had expressed their genuine interest to his agents following his eye-catching performances for Rennes this past season.
Doue has entered the transfer market as a coveted player following his exploits with Rennes. After making his league debut in August 2022, the winger, who is rated at around €30m (Transfermarkt) has grown leaps and bounds and established himself as one of the Ligue 1’s top prodigious attacking talents. He made 31 Ligue 1 appearances, contributing four goals and five assists as Rennes finished 10th in the table in 2023/24.
The France under-23 international was a menace for defenders in Ligue 1. The teenager impressed the fanbase with his dazzling skills, close control and ability to challenge opponents one-on-one, as evidenced by most dribbles per 90 minutes. And by doing so, it isn’t surprising to see him being fouled the most in the league.
Other than being skilful and electric, Doue also had the highest pass % in the final third. He was ranked in the 95th percentile for forward pass % and in the 93rd percentile for ball carries per 90. These mini-stats give us an idea of how dynamic, direct and creative the teenager is with the ball. He is still raw in many aspects of the game but the scary potential to grow into one of the best wide players is there for everyone to see.
For a 19-year-old enjoying only his second season in top-flight football, the aforementioned stats are ridiculous. These stats are a comparison of Doue with the Top Seven League midfielders in the 2023/24 season. (Stats courtesy: DataMB)
As far as Spurs are concerned, the loan exit of Bryan Gil to Girona has depleted the options out wide for Ange Postecoglou. This combined with the wastefulness and inconsistency of the current crop of wingers have stressed the need for a new player who can operate on both flank without much fuss.
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Doue would have fit the criteria perfectly at Spurs whilst bringing a different variety to their attack. There was certainly space for the Frenchman to come and give Postecoglou’s offensive unit a lift for the upcoming season. However, with Doue making up his mind to join PSG, we must switch to other targets to bolster the wide department.
