Paul Merson has praised Tottenham’s £65 million acquisition of Dominic Solanke, calling it the best signing of the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur had been in the market for a new striker since the transfer window opened, seeking a true number nine to bolster their attack. While the club was linked with several high-profile forwards, they ultimately chose to invest in a proven Premier League talent in Dominic Solanke.
Solanke, who previously played for Liverpool, had a standout season at Bournemouth, scoring 19 goals in the Premier League. Impressed by his performance, Spurs paid a club-record fee of £65 million to bring him to North London. His arrival addresses several key issues for Tottenham, and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes that Solanke is the best signing of the summer.
Merson commented on Sky Sports: “Solanke is the answer. At Spurs, Richarlison is a good player when he’s on form, but consistency is key. Solanke could be the difference because teams were starting to push up on Spurs and suffocate them. Solanke’s pace and threat in behind can help stretch the game for Postecoglou’s side.”
Solanke’s addition will enable manager Ange Postecoglou to deploy Son Heung-min in his preferred position on the left wing. At 26 years old, the former Liverpool striker has the potential to be a long-term asset for the club. His speed and goal-scoring ability will provide Tottenham with an extra dimension in attack, while also easing the burden on James Maddison.
Maddison had an impressive start at Spurs, but struggled to maintain that form after returning from injury. Merson believes that Solanke’s presence up front, with his ability to make runs behind the defense, will create more space for Maddison, making him even more effective in the attacking third.
While Merson acknowledges that Richarlison remains a valuable option, he argues that Tottenham needed more cutting edge in their attack, and Solanke will deliver that.
