Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly shown interest in signing former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke.
Talks about Arne Slot’s first summer transfer have likely begun. The Liverpool’s new head coach certainly has an idea of the areas where the squad needs reinforcement.
Jurgen Klopp has probably given his recommendations to Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes regarding the positions that need strengthening. Edwards, FSG’s CEO of football, and the incoming sporting director Hughes have likely already started the process.
This does not imply there will be sweeping changes to the Reds’ squad. A change in the managerial position does not necessarily mean a shift in policy.
Liverpool will make adjustments where necessary. A centre-back is expected to be a top priority. Additionally, a defensive midfielder might be considered for strengthening.
FSG is reportedly ready to support Slot in the transfer market, but there will be no unlimited budget. This is consistent with the approach Klopp experienced, and Slot will face the same financial constraints.
Liverpool operate on a self-sustainable model, ensuring they spend within their means is crucial. However, Slot might receive an additional boost to his budget if a certain player transfer away from Merseyside materializes.
Over five years ago, Dominic Solanke left Liverpool to join AFC Bournemouth. At Anfield, the striker was a marginal player, scoring just one goal in 27 appearances.
Despite this, Liverpool secured a reported fee of £24 million for his transfer in January 2019, showcasing the prowess of their then-sporting director, Michael Edwards.
Solanke has since realised the potential that led Liverpool to sign him from Chelsea for a compensation fee. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 30 goals, playing a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s promotion back to the Premier League.
Following seven goals last season, Solanke had an outstanding 2023-24 campaign, scoring 21 goals, with 19 in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland (27), Cole Palmer (22), and Alexander Isak (21) outscored him.
Due to his impressive performance, Solanke has attracted interest from other clubs this summer. West Ham United have been mentioned as a potential destination.
However, reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the 27-year-old striker. According to talkSPORT, Bournemouth would require a substantial bid to part with Solanke, who is contracted until 2027.
If Bournemouth were to sell the one-cap England international, Liverpool would benefit financially from the transaction. Liverpool included a 20% sell-on clause when they sold Solanke, entitling them to a fifth of any profit Bournemouth makes on his sale.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has expressed his intention to strengthen the team’s attacking lineup after they finished fifth in his first season. Speaking after Spurs’ friendly against Newcastle in Australia, he emphasized the need for additional firepower.
“It’s no secret. You saw the way we finished the season. We obviously lost Richy [Richarlison] and Timo [Werner] as well with injuries but we’re fairly light in that area.
“We started last season with Manor [Solomon] and [Ivan] Perisic and we were quite healthy in that front third in terms of numbers, but as the year went on it became pretty evident that we need to bulk up.
“We’re in Europe as well next year so we’ll have more games and it’s definitely an area of the park we’ll need to strengthen.”
Solanke’s impressive performances played a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s 12th-place finish in the Premier League.
Consequently, the talented centre-forward is expected to attract interest from multiple clubs, with Liverpool particularly keen on monitoring his progress closely.
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