As Tottenham Hotspur aims to build on a promising first season under Ange Postecoglou, they’ve made a significant move to bolster their attack by agreeing to sign former England international Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth. The Cherries have accepted a £60 million transfer fee, despite some frustrations during the negotiation process.
Now that the deal is nearly finalized, attention will turn to how the 26-year-old will adapt to life in North London. With Spurs struggling to replace Harry Kane’s goals last season, Solanke will carry the weight of expectations to continue his scoring form. However, he will also be tasked with forming a new partnership with captain Heung-min Son, one that could elevate the South Korean star’s game.
How Solanke Can Benefit Son
A return to his preferred position could be key for Son.
Throughout much of his Tottenham career, Son has thrived as an inside forward, cutting in from the left flank. This role saw him at his most effective, even earning him a share of the Golden Boot in the 2021/22 season with 23 Premier League goals alongside Mohamed Salah. That season remains Son’s most productive in English football, but the following year saw a dip in his output.
Son rediscovered his top form last season, particularly in the early stages, forming a lethal partnership with James Maddison. However, his 27 goal contributions were less impactful for the team overall, as no one could consistently complement his efforts in the absence of Kane.
While Son did find success in a more central role, it often took him away from the areas where he was most dangerous. At times, he was allowed to drift wide, with Richarlison moving into the center. This positioning enabled Son to support his teammates more effectively. In the 11 matches where Son played off the left, he provided five assists, the same number he managed as a central forward in fewer appearances. This was without a lethal finisher to target. With Solanke in the mix, there’s every chance Son can replicate his past success.
Son’s Chemistry with Kane
Reviving a similar dynamic could be key.
By shifting Son back to the left wing and introducing a focal point like Solanke, Tottenham fans can hope to see a partnership reminiscent of the one Son shared with Kane. During their time together, Son and Kane combined for an impressive 47 goals (Son assisting Kane 24 times, Kane assisting Son 23 times).
Particularly between 2020 and 2022, the duo’s connection reached another level, with 21 goal combinations during that period, accounting for nearly half their total. In the first five games of the 2020/21 season alone, they combined for nine goals.
While replicating those extraordinary numbers may be a tall order, even half of that output would provide a significant boost to Postecoglou’s attack.
Solanke’s Premier League Record
A platform to build on his recent success.
Had Solanke been considered a replacement for Kane a year ago, it would have raised eyebrows. At that time, the 26-year-old’s best Premier League season had yielded just six goals—hardly the stats of someone poised to replace one of the league’s greatest-ever strikers.
However, what Solanke always brought to the table was his relentless pressing, a skill that has become invaluable in the modern game. Last season, he added the missing piece to his game. Starting with just 10 Premier League goals to his name, Solanke nearly tripled his total, finishing the 2023/24 campaign with 19 goals.
At Tottenham, where the style of play and creative talent are likely to provide more opportunities, Solanke is well-positioned to build on this success. Postecoglou now has a player who can implement his pressing tactics at the top of the pitch while allowing one of his star players to thrive in the positions where he is most effective.
