Dominic Solanke’s hopes of wearing the iconic No. 9 jersey at Tottenham Hotspur may be dashed. The Bournemouth striker is nearing a move to North London, with personal terms reportedly a mere formality.
Despite being under contract with Bournemouth until 2029, Solanke’s deal includes a £65 million release clause that can be triggered by certain clubs. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is aiming to negotiate a fee below this amount, but the transfer will still likely set a new club-record sale for Bournemouth. If finalized, the move would give Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou his first natural No. 9 since Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich last summer. However, Solanke won’t be donning the No. 9 jersey, as Richarlison has opted to stay at the club and rejected a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League.
Richarlison, who has faced an injury-plagued two years at Spurs, has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in recent months. Al Hilal was reportedly prepared to make a significant bid for the Brazilian forward, but the 27-year-old has decided to stay in England and focus on reclaiming his spot in the Brazil national team.
“There was an offer,” Richarlison revealed to ESPN Brasil. “But my dream of playing for the Brazilian Selecao and in the Premier League speaks louder. The money is big, but my dreams are bigger.” He later reinforced his commitment to Tottenham by posting a photo on his Instagram story with the caption: “I am at home.”
Solanke, who has worn the No. 9 shirt at Bournemouth, has previously expressed his desire to wear that number, inspired by football legends. In a 2019 interview with Bournemouth’s website following his transfer from Liverpool, he said, “Having been a striker all my life, my favorite number is the number nine. Growing up, watching great players like R9 [Ronaldo], Ibrahimovic, and Benzema, you always saw top players in that number, so I’m delighted to get it.”
As it stands, available shirt numbers for Solanke at Tottenham include 11, 19, and 25—previously worn by strikers like Emmanuel Adebayor, Jermain Defoe, and Bobby Zamora. The No. 12 could also open up if Emerson Royal finalizes his expected move to AC Milan.
Solanke’s arrival is expected to bolster Spurs’ attack, which struggled following Kane’s exit. Last season, captain Son Heung-min carried much of the scoring responsibility, netting 17 goals and providing 10 assists as Tottenham fell short of securing a Champions League spot.
