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Thomas Frank urged to challenge Tottenham star by making use of the summer transfer window
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Tottenham backed to sign a new striker to challenge club-record signing Dominic Solanke for a spot in Thomas Frank’s starting XI

Much of the talk at Tottenham Hotspur has been about their head coach, with Thomas Frank set to replace Ange Postecoglou.

With that decision sinking in, attention will quickly turn to the transfer market, where the Lilywhites are expected to make some exciting signings as part of the squad revamp. The entry into the Champions League has given Daniel Levy additional funds to spend in the transfer window. Spurs’ Europe League triumph last month and subsequent qualification to the Champions League has completely changed their transfer plans as they can now shop at a higher level.

There were several players that underperformed last season, culminating in their worst-ever finish in the top flight. One of those was Dominic Solanke. Having arrived from Premier League rivals Bournemouth at a club-record transfer fee, the English centre-forward was expected to hit the ground running at Tottenham and make a difference. But it did not turn out in that manner as he experienced a subdued first season at N17.

Dominic Solanke managed 16 goals for Tottenham, including nine strikes in the Premier League. For a striker who the North London club broke their transfer record, nine goals is a paltry return and that has left question marks in the minds of many fans that is he an ideal No.9 for the club’s present and future.

The sharing of goals among the forwards and creative midfielders has seen the 27-year-old’s output not attract much criticism. However, Gabriel Agbonlahor picked up Solanke’s poor goalscoring return in his first season at Tottenham as an issue. When asked by Ally McCoist what are the key points incoming boss Thomas Frank needs to do to achieve success at White Hart Lane, Agbonlahor said he must push for a new striker signing as Solanke cannot be relied upon for regular supply of goals.

“Solanke, I think he’s a great talent but he scored nine Premier League goals in 27 games. That’s going to be not going to be enough next season to get top four, top five and get into the knockout stage of the Champions League. Do you need another top striker to challenge Solanke?” Agbonlahor said on TalkSPORT show.

Having paid a premium to sign Solanke last summer, Spurs simply cannot discard him after just one season. Even when he was not scoring goals, the England international managed to impact games with his hold-up, link-up play and constant pressing. Perhaps, to get the best out of the ex-Liverpool man, Daniel Levy will need to sign a striker this summer.

As Richarlison has constantly been injured and linked with an exit, Tottenham must sign a reliable goalscorer who can compete with Solanke for a spot in Frank’s XI. If the Dane’s team want to enjoy a strong 2025/26 season, the addition of a No.9 becomes crucial.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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