Ange lining up Spurs move for “underrated” PL striker, he’s even better than Solanke
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been anything but smooth, with their aspirations for a top-four finish turning into a struggle to stay afloat in the Premier League.
Ange Postecoglou’s side, which entered the campaign with high hopes of building on their fifth-place finish last season, now finds itself closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League spots. Despite criticism of the manager’s tactics, much of Tottenham’s troubles stem from a devastating injury crisis that has derailed their campaign.
Postecoglou has rarely been able to deploy his preferred starting backline, a problem compounded by the recent injury to club-record signing Dominic Solanke. The striker’s absence for at least six weeks leaves Spurs with a significant void in their attack, prompting the club to explore the transfer market for reinforcements.
Recent reports have linked Tottenham with Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, a player whose form and abilities suggest he could not only fill the gap left by Solanke but potentially outperform him.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Tottenham are actively pursuing a new striker to address their attacking deficiencies. Among the options is Wissa, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
With his contract at Brentford set to expire next summer, the 28-year-old could be available for a reasonable fee, making him an attractive target for Spurs. However, securing his signature may prove challenging given the competition from other Premier League clubs.
Wissa’s performances this season underline his credentials as a top-tier forward. In 23 appearances, totaling 1,639 minutes, he has scored 12 goals and contributed two assists. This gives him an impressive average of a goal involvement every 117 minutes.
Comparatively, Solanke, who has played 2,248 minutes across 29 matches, has recorded 11 goals and six assists, averaging a goal involvement every 132 minutes. While Solanke’s contributions have been vital for Tottenham, Wissa’s efficiency in front of goal offers an upgrade in key areas.
A closer examination of their underlying statistics further highlights Wissa’s superiority. Metrics such as non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive carries, shots on target, and passing accuracy all favor the Brentford forward.
For instance, Wissa’s non-penalty expected goals and assists per 90 minutes stand at 0.70, compared to Solanke’s 0.62. His shot accuracy, at 1.28 per 90 minutes, also outshines Solanke’s 1.07. Additionally, Wissa’s passing accuracy of 78.2% significantly eclipses Solanke’s 70.7%, emphasizing his ability to contribute to the team’s overall play.
Wissa’s impact is even more impressive when considering his performances for a team outside the traditional Premier League elite. His ability to consistently deliver goals and assists for Brentford demonstrates his readiness to step up to a higher level.
Furthermore, his versatility as both a scorer and a playmaker makes him an ideal fit for Tottenham’s system, especially during Solanke’s absence.
The potential addition of Wissa could provide Tottenham with the firepower needed to reignite their season. Injuries to key players have left Postecoglou with limited options, and Wissa’s arrival would address a critical need in the squad.
Moreover, his form and adaptability suggest he could offer long-term value, not just as cover for Solanke but as a player capable of competing for a starting role.
Tottenham’s pursuit of Wissa comes at a pivotal moment. The club’s struggles in the league have put Postecoglou under pressure to deliver results, and the addition of a proven forward could provide a much-needed boost. Beyond the immediate benefits, Wissa’s potential to surpass Solanke as Tottenham’s primary striker adds further incentive to secure his services.
While negotiating a deal for Wissa may involve challenges, the opportunity to sign a player of his quality should motivate Tottenham to act decisively. His ability to perform at a high level, combined with his contract situation, makes him an attainable and strategic target.
The club’s ambition to recover from a disappointing season and reestablish itself as a Premier League contender hinges on making smart investments, and Wissa represents precisely that.
As the January transfer window nears its conclusion, Tottenham’s efforts to strengthen their squad will be under scrutiny. The addition of Wissa could mark a turning point in their campaign, offering a solution to their injury woes and a potential upgrade in attack. For Postecoglou and his team, securing the Brentford forward could be the catalyst for a much-needed revival.