Tottenham in race to sign ex-Atletico Madrid star amid Dominic Solanke injury concerns

Tottenham weighing up move for Porto marksman

According to Football Insider senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke, Tottenham are plotting a move for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, with Frank thought to be keen to bring in more attacking depth amid Dominic Solanke’s injury woes.

Dominic Solanke, Spurs’ club-record acquisition from Bournemouth in 2024, has suffered several injuries, limiting his impact on the pitch. The 28-year-old has come off the bench just twice this season and is currently sidelined following a minor ankle surgery. Randal Kolo Muani, on a season-long loan from PSG, has been out as well with a dead leg, while Richarlison has endured his injury struggles too.

This has resulted in Spurs setting their sights on FC Porto goalscorer Samu Aghehowa. The 21-year-old enjoyed a fantastic debut season with FC Porto, bagging 27 goals in all competitions. He has established himself as one of the dangerous young strikers in Europe right now, beginning the new season with a bang with five goals in seven games.

Pete O’Rourke claims Tottenham are “looking at” Samu Aghehowa as a potential buy amid Solanke’s persistent injury concerns.

“I’m sure he’s [Aghehowa] somebody who’s maybe on the list of Tottenham and other clubs in the Premier League,” Pete O’Rourke said on Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast.

“Chelsea [came] very close to signing him a couple of transfer windows ago before the player decided to stay. Then Newcastle had him on their list in the summer window as they looked at potential replacements for Alexander Isak before signing Nick Woltemade.

“So I think he’s a top young player, 21 years old, Spain international. It’s no surprise that Tottenham and all these other big clubs in the Premier League are looking at him.

“He has got a release clause in his contract at Porto of around £86million, which is a big price tag on his head. But, I think if he continues what he’s doing right now and develops as a player and fulfils his potential, that could be a decent fee for somebody who wants to take him.

[For] Tottenham, again, the number nine is coming a bit of an issue for them in some respects. Solanke’s had his injury problems so far this season.

“Then Richarlison has obviously slotted in and done quite well there, but there’s been ongoing speculation in regards to his future.

“Porto will be doing well to hang on to him [Aghehowa] in the next couple of transfer windows because I’m sure that interest will remain.”

Samu Aghehowa would be superb long-term investment for Tottenham

Samu has been in sizzling form for Porto recently, building on his fantastic debut season in Portugal. The Spaniard has demonstrated that he can score all kinds of goals, and at 21, he has a massive potential to unlock. Strong as an Ox and quick through the ground, the ex-Atletico Madrid man fits the bill of a quintessential Frank striker perfectly.

£86 million release clause would be a substantial price to pay, though Samu’s age, potential, physical traits and goalscoring return of 32 goals in just 53 matches for Porto may well be worth it, especially if Solanke continues to struggle with injury. If Tottenham harbour hopes of winning something this season, they must make a statement in January by going all out on the Porto star. Considering there are several European bigwigs also keeping tabs, we should start working behind the scenes from now to win the race for his signature.