Xavi Simons and Djed Spence respond to Dominic Solanke’s emotional Tottenham return message
Dominic Solanke has endured a difficult few months at Tottenham after suffering a long-term injury all the way back in August.
Football Insider understands that Tottenham want to keep Solanke until the summer before deciding on his future, leaving plenty of time for him to improve his chances of staying.
The 28-year-old has only featured off the bench twice before getting his first start since injury, playing through the middle as Thomas Frank’s side beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on Tuesday, 21 January.
Tottenham are already without Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus, so even though Solanke’s goal was rather fortunate, it was an important moment for the former Bournemouth striker.
And apparently, it was an important moment off the pitch, going by his celebration.
Dominic Solanke returns to Tottenham XI with a bang
Taking to Instagram (22 January), Solanke wrote: “240 days since my last start, playing and celebrating felt better than ever!” while also including emojis about his partner being pregnant.
He gained likes from James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Mathys Tel, as well as Xavi Simons responding with a love heart emoji, while Djed Spence simply replied: “Believe”.
It was his 17th goal since signing for the Lilywhites last summer, and just his first of the 2025-26 campaign, but it remains an important one in the context of Spurs’ season.
Cristian Romero was also on the scoresheet, heading home the opener, with Daniel Svensson being sent off for Dortmund before Solanke doubled the home side’s lead in North London.
Thomas Frank remains under pressure despite Champions League win
Tottenham might have to pay up to £8million to sack the manager, and that is not a figure that the owners will want to cough up after also paying off Ange Postecoglou in the summer.
With victory over Dortmund, the former Brentford man has now won 12 of his 33 games in charge, recording a 36 per cent win rate, the lowest of all his manager jobs so far.
Supporters are becoming more and more frustrated by the performances in North London, but after their latest win, Spurs have moved up to fifth in the Champions League table, above PSG and Chelsea.
However, with his team sinking to 14th in the Premier League standings, it is the inconsistencies which are playing a role in the huge pressure on his shoulders.
While Burnley are up next, both Manchester clubs are to follow, with Newcastle United and Arsenal shortly after. It is not going to get any easier for Frank.