‘I’m overwhelmed’: Owen Hargreaves could not believe Tottenham have been allowed to sign £65M ace
Tottenham Hotspur have been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in three significant signings that could shape the future of the club. With the arrival of young talents Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert, and the acquisition of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth, Spurs have made their intentions clear: they are building a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
This summer, Tottenham Hotspur focused on long-term investments by securing Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert. Both players have been touted as future stars, and their development at Spurs will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. However, the most talked-about signing is that of Dominic Solanke, who joined from Bournemouth for a whopping £65 million. This transfer not only highlights Tottenham’s ambition but also their belief in Solanke’s potential to lead the attack.
Former England international and Premier League pundit Owen Hargreaves has expressed his admiration for Tottenham’s acquisition of Dominic Solanke. Speaking on Premier League Productions, Hargreaves praised the signing and revealed his surprise that Spurs were able to secure Solanke without any competition from other top clubs.
“I love Solanke. I’m amazed that nobody else came in for him. I think he’s the perfect centre-forward player, we mention size, speed, he has skill, he knows the Premier League, I think he will only get better and I think he will score more than he did against Bournemouth. If he starts well, I think he could even compete for the Golden Boot,” Hargreaves commented.
It’s rare in today’s transfer market for a player of Solanke’s caliber to move unchallenged, especially with his £65 million release clause active for a significant period. Considering the striker needs of clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United this summer, it is indeed surprising that none of them made a move for Solanke. This lack of competition allowed Tottenham to secure the deal without much fuss, giving them a clear run at one of the Premier League’s most promising forwards.
Dominic Solanke’s arrival at Tottenham could prove to be one of the signings of the summer. With a track record of scoring goals at this level, he brings experience and a keen eye for goal to a team that already creates numerous chances. His blend of size, speed, and skill makes him an ideal fit for Spurs’ attacking style under Ange Postecoglou.
Solanke’s Premier League Record
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements per Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 33 | 12 | 5 | 0.51 |
| 2022/23 | 33 | 18 | 7 | 0.76 |
| 2023/24 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 0.71 |
All stats via Transfermarkt
Solanke’s Premier League stats speak for themselves. Over the past few seasons, he has consistently improved, with his goal involvement per match steadily increasing. This upward trajectory suggests that he’s not only a proven goalscorer but also a player who thrives as he gains more experience and responsibility.
Solanke joins a Tottenham side that is known for its attacking prowess, particularly under the guidance of Postecoglou. With creative talents like James Maddison and Heung-Min Son providing service, Solanke is poised to thrive in an environment that will play to his strengths. His ability to find the back of the net, combined with his physical attributes, makes him a perfect target man for Spurs’ fast-paced, attacking football.
Moreover, Solanke’s familiarity with the Premier League is another factor that could see him hit the ground running at Tottenham. Unlike many foreign imports who often need time to adjust to the pace and physicality of English football, Solanke already knows what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur’s acquisition of Dominic Solanke could be a masterstroke in their quest for a top-four finish and beyond. By securing Solanke without competition, Spurs have not only strengthened their squad but also avoided the inflated prices and bidding wars that often come with signing top talents.
As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Solanke to see if he can live up to the expectations and become a key figure in Tottenham’s attack. If he does, this transfer could be remembered as one of the smartest moves of the summer, setting the stage for a successful campaign at White Hart Lane.
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