After Solanke: The Next Big Signing Tottenham Needs to Secure Their Future, REVEALED

Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced negotiations with Bournemouth for a £60 million deal to secure their prolific striker, Dominic Solanke.

The 26-year-old English forward, who netted 19 goals in 38 Premier League appearances last season, has a release clause set at approximately £65 million. This was confirmed by Bournemouth owner Bill Foley in a recent interview, but Spurs are working to finalize a deal for a lower sum.

The signing of Solanke would address one of Tottenham’s pressing needs following the departure of England captain Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer. While Solanke’s potential arrival is a significant move, Tottenham must also look at other targets to further strengthen their squad. This article explores three key players Tottenham should consider pursuing to build on their attacking and defensive options.

Castello Lukeba

A prominent name on Tottenham’s radar is Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old central defender has been on Spurs’ radar before and now could be the right time to act on that interest. Tottenham’s defensive issues were evident last season, particularly when injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven exposed a lack of depth. As highlighted by The Athletic, the team’s defensive struggles in November were partly due to these injury problems.

Lukeba, who previously played for Lyon, has shown significant potential as a dynamic and versatile center-back. Although he stands at just 6 feet, Lukeba compensates for his height with impressive jumping ability and agility.

His time at RB Leipzig has allowed him to gain valuable experience and refine his defensive skills. His statistics from FBREF reveal a progressive center-back who excels in both attacking and defending. Lukeba’s acquisition would provide Spurs with a reliable option to bolster their defense, especially given his transfer value is likely to be in excess of £40 million.

Maxence Caqueret

Another Lyon academy graduate, Maxence Caqueret, represents a valuable midfield option for Tottenham. With the midfield at Spurs having undergone changes in recent seasons, the addition of Caqueret could provide much-needed stability and creativity. While Enzo Barrenechea has been brought in for a defensive role, Caqueret’s presence would further enhance the midfield dynamics.

Jack Pitt-Brooke from The Athletic pointed out in May that Spurs might need a more defensive-minded midfielder. Caqueret, 24, fits this profile and could complement the existing midfielders, including the emerging Pape Matar Sarr.

His playing style is similar to that of Enzo Le Fee, who now plays for Roma, and his industry and determination could be beneficial for Spurs. Caqueret’s current transfer value is around £20 million, and Lyon could push for a higher price if they see potential suitors. His arrival would help address any midfield gaps left by potential departures like Giovani Lo Celso and Oliver Skipp.

Ivan Toney

If Tottenham seeks another striking option beyond Solanke, Brentford’s Ivan Toney is a name worth considering. The England international, who has scored 36 Premier League goals in his last three seasons, is entering the final year of his contract at Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford, facing the risk of losing their star player on a free transfer at the end of the season, may be willing to entertain offers below £50 million.

Toney’s prolific scoring record and ability to lead the attack make him an attractive option for Spurs. Despite Brentford’s efforts to secure him on a new deal, Toney has not agreed to fresh terms, leaving the club vulnerable to losing him without a substantial transfer fee.

Tottenham’s interest in Toney could provide a valuable alternative or complement to Solanke, strengthening their attacking options further.

Strategic Importance of These Targets

Each of these potential signings offers unique benefits for Tottenham:

1. Castello Lukeba would enhance the defensive depth, providing a robust and dynamic presence at the back. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively aligns with Tottenham’s tactical needs, especially given their recent injury concerns.

   Castello Lukeba’s Statistics vs Positional Peers
   Statistic over the last 365 days	Per 90	Percentile
   Passes Completed	73.25	Top 14%
   Pass Completion %	91.3%	Top 10%
   Progressive Passes	3.81	Top 38%
   Progressive Carries	0.99	Top 22%
   Successful Take Ons	0.58	Top 3%

2. Maxence Caqueret

   

would add stability and creativity to the midfield, addressing any gaps left by recent changes and potential departures. His work rate and ability to link defense and attack could be pivotal in maintaining control and dictating the tempo of games.

1. Ivan Toney would bolster the attacking options further, offering a proven goal scorer who could relieve some of the pressure on Solanke. His experience and scoring prowess would add depth and competition to Tottenham’s forward line.

As Tottenham Hotspur navigates the transfer market, securing Dominic Solanke is a significant step in addressing their attacking needs. However, to build a well-rounded and competitive squad, Spurs should also consider targeting players like Castello Lukeba, Maxence Caqueret, and Ivan Toney. Each of these players offers valuable attributes that could enhance different aspects of the team, from defense and midfield to attack.

With the transfer window open and competition from other clubs, Tottenham must act decisively to secure these targets and strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The combination of a high-profile signing like Solanke and additional reinforcements could set Spurs up for a successful campaign and reinforce their bid for domestic and European success.