Credit: IMAGO
Credit: IMAGO

Sources: Tottenham making Dominic Solanke transfer plan after Thomas Frank dismisses him

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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Tottenham are contemplating what to do with Dominic Solanke given his frequent injuries and a plethora of striker options in the transfer market.

Even if he makes a full recovery from his ankle problem, Solanke has had a dismal run of injuries in his career, plunging his future at the club into doubt ahead of the January transfer window.

On top of this, sources told Football Insider that Frank has been unimpressed with Solanke since he joined Spurs, making his return to the first team an even more arduous task.

Dominic Solanke in action for Tottenham
(Credit: Imago)

Tottenham expected to be patient with Solanke before jumping the gun with new striker replacement

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Lilywhites are not looking to jump the gun with selling the ex-Bournemouth forward after just one full season.

Solanke became one of Tottenham's most expensive signings of all-time when he joined back in August 2024, notching 16 goals in his debut campaign.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over whether Spurs will look to sell him in January, I explained: "I think it's very unlikely, I think it's a very difficult deal to pull off midway through the season for a number of reasons.

Dominic Solanke grimacing with injury for Tottenham
(Credit: Imago)

"Look, he [Solanke] hasn't really had a chance to showcase his worth to Thomas Frank just yet, he's been injured most of the season.

"He's only played 49 minutes in all competitions. His last action was in that win at Manchester City in August [23 August].

"So I think obviously Solanke's injury problems have held him back this year. And obviously he had a good debut season for Tottenham last year, got 16 goals in all competitions and went on to win the Europa League.

Thomas Frank managing Tottenham
(Credit: Imago)

"I don't think Tottenham will be making any massive decisions on him just until he is fully fit. And as I said, once he's fit, I still think he has a role to play in that Tottenham team under Thomas Frank.

"We know Tottenham are continually being linked with new strikers as they look to add to it, but it's going to be very hard to land your top targets in January."

Patience could run out for Solanke if Jean-Philippe Mateta continues dazzling form

The brief nature of the January transfer window is likely to see the Lilywhites stick by the Englishman, yet they will be already making plans for next summer in case he fails to impress once back from injury.

Jean-Philippe Mateta during a warm-up for Crystal Palace
(Credit: Imago)

Sources told Football Insider that Tottenham are monitoring Jean-Philippe Mateta after a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign.

The Frenchman is contracted at Crystal Palace until June 2027, making a move in the summer transfer window a more realistic opportunity to land his signature.

The Eagles have put themselves in awkward contract situations with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, suggesting they may want to cash in soon before possibly losing the number 14 on a free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season.

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