Tottenham Hotspur already has a forward who could outshine the club’s reported transfer target, and the absence of this player has been strongly felt. Last season, only Brennan Johnson scored more goals than this England international, highlighting just how crucial he is to the team’s attacking options.
While his return from injury is still uncertain, Tottenham insiders and experts are urging the club to exercise patience rather than rush into signing a new striker this winter.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham made it clear that the club should wait for this player to regain full fitness.
He explained that splashing out on someone like Ivan Toney would be a short-term gamble rather than a sustainable investment. “It would only be a full-term investment. You’re talking massive money for someone over 30,” Wenham said. “I just don’t see the point.
Honestly, I never really liked him. When we were linked with him before, I wasn’t on board, and I would have much preferred Solanke, which thankfully is what we did.”
Wenham emphasized that he still values Solanke over Toney. “I would rather Solanke comes back to full fitness than us go and sign Toney on any basis. Frank may have worked with him before and clearly trusts him, but Solanke is the better footballer. He suits the team’s style and offers more reliability in the long run.”
Looking at Toney’s recent form further supports this caution. During his final full season at Brentford in 2022/23, Toney had an impressive record: 35 appearances totaling over 3,000 minutes, with 21 goals and five assists.
That season, he was a standout performer and looked like a high-value option for any club in need of goals. However, the following season was a different story. Plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances, Toney only managed four goals and two assists across 17 appearances. His move to Al-Ahli at the end of the 2023/24 season further raised questions about his long-term reliability at the top level.
It is clear that Toney’s trajectory is not guaranteed, and Tottenham must consider whether investing heavily in a striker who is already showing signs of decline is wise.
The club has the opportunity to focus on rebuilding a stronger, more sustainable attack, and rushing into a high-profile signing could compromise that strategy. Patience, as Wenham suggests, may pay off much more in the long term.
Waiting for Solanke to return to full fitness ensures Tottenham can rely on a proven performer who is already part of the squad, reducing the financial and sporting risk of a big-money transfer.
The broader lesson for Spurs is that building a winning team is about more than chasing headlines or short-term fixes. Stability, squad cohesion, and planning for the future are essential if the club wants to compete at the highest level consistently.
Frank and the management team need to weigh experience, current form, and long-term value when considering any additions to the squad. The example of Toney highlights why patience and strategy often outperform impulsive decisions in the transfer market.
In conclusion, while Ivan Toney may be a familiar name and someone Frank has previously worked with, the evidence suggests Tottenham already has a superior option waiting to return from injury. Rushing into a transfer could be costly, both financially and for the team’s performance.
By prioritizing Solanke’s recovery and integration, Spurs have the chance to build a more resilient and effective squad that can compete over the long term. In football, sometimes the smartest move is not the flashiest one, and Tottenham has an opportunity to prove that patience and strategic thinking can yield the best results.
