Sources: Tottenham willing to let two first-XI stars go to pave way for Thomas Frank’s preferred January signing
Tottenham can only sign Ivan Toney in January if they let Dominic Solanke or Richarlison go, sources have told Football Insider.
Saudi-based Toney, 29, is Spurs manager Thomas Frank‘s preferred striker target as he looks to reunite with his former Brentford goalscorer.
The striker is keen to return to the Premier League in January as he aims to get back in the England squad for next summer’s World Cup.
Spurs and Everton are among the clubs keen on signing Toney in the mid-season window, with a loan deal seen as most likely.
But Tottenham must offload one of Solanke or Richarlison, with both of the forwards believed to be seen as expendable by Frank.
Tottenham are battling Man United and Everton to sign Ivan Toney
Toney scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for Brentford between 2020 and 2024 as he built a reputation for being a regular contributor in the Premier League under Frank.
He made the move to Al-Ahli in August of last year, and has continued his scoring form overseas, with 30 goals in 44 appearances last season and 11 in 15 up to now in 2025-26.
Man United have been linked with a move for Toney in the lead up to the new year, while Football Insider revealed last month that Everton have a concrete interest in Toney as he eyes a return to English football.
Sources have also told Football Insider that Toney’s hefty wages could prevent him joining Tottenham or any other club in January, but they remain interested with outgoings needed to set the wheels of a move in motion.
Richarlison has been linked away from Tottenham
Frank is content to offload either Solanke or Richarlison after the turn of the year, and the latter certainly seems like the more obvious departure considering his age and rumours around his future at the club.
Football Insider revealed in October that Richarlison is considering leaving Tottenham soon after MLS club Orlando City held talks with his representatives over a potential move stateside.
The Brazil international has not scored since 20 September, and has just eight goals in his last 41 appearances for the club since the start of last season.
Everton’s former CEO Keith Wyness has told Football Insider that Richarlison is more likely to join the Toffees than Toney is in January, and so a potential avenue could open up for Spurs to pounce and get their desired moves over the line.