Despite already splashing upwards of £200m in the summer transfer market, Tottenham Hotspur are still on the hunt for added reinforcements ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The likes of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have already arrived in North London, with Roberto De Zerbi’s overhaul of the club’s midfield department seemingly complete.
However, the Italian has quickly shifted his attention to other areas of the pitch, with the attacking department one which the 47-year-old appears desperate to improve.
Landing added reinforcements in such an area is hardly a surprise, as one player massively struggled to provide the consistent presence needed for success.
Why Spurs need to replace Dominic Solanke this summer
Back in the summer of 2024, Spurs fans were full of excitement after the hierarchy broke their club-record and forked out £65m for the signature of striker Dominic Solanke.
However, two years on, it appears as though the hierarchy are on the hunt for another talented talisman, with the 28-year-old struggling to match the demands of the supporters.
The Englishman endured an injury-hit 2025/26 campaign in North London, subsequently only making 15 appearances in the Premier League and netted only three times.
As a result, he missed 60% of the Lilywhites’ games in England’s top-flight, but his stats upon his return from his fitness issues also highlight why De Zerbi’s men need another attacking option this window.
|
Most PL mins played by Spurs attackers (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Mins |
|
Richarlison |
1957 |
|
Xavi Simons |
1757 |
|
Randal Kolo Muani |
1670 |
|
Mohammed Kudus |
1545 |
|
Dominic Solanke |
1000 |
|
Wilson Odobert |
980 |
|
James Maddison |
34 |
|
Dejan Kulusevski |
0 |
Solanke failed to register at least a shot on target per game upon his return to the first-team squad, with his tally of 0.8 efforts per 90 ranking him below 70% of players in his position.
He was often unable to provide the focal point needed at the top end of the pitch – subsequently winning just 30% of his aerial duels, a tally bettered by 75% of other strikers in the Premier League.
His constant injury issues and his lack of form when called upon showcase why the Englishman ultimately can’t be the club’s number one striker throughout 2026/27.
How Spurs can land a Solanke upgrade with £43m star
This summer has showcased ENIC’s ambitions of making Spurs a force to be reckoned with next term, with the hierarchy showing no signs of slowing down their efforts in the market.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is a player who has been continuously linked with the Lilywhites, but it remains unclear if a deal is realistic given his mammoth wage demands.
He’s not the only player to emerge on the club’s transfer shortlist of late, with AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun another talent who’s currently being explored.
It’s been reported by Football Insider that De Zerbi’s men have been monitoring the USA international and could make a move for his signature before the end of the window.
The report also states that the player himself would be open to a move away from the Ligue 1 outfit this summer, but no deal for the 25-year-old is imminent.
Balogun, who joined Monaco for £25m back in the summer of 2023, has enjoyed a rich vein of form over recent seasons – which has seen his value rise to around £43m.
The former Arsenal man managed to produce some incredible figures last term, many of which were a level above those of current Lilywhites talisman, Solanke.
The American star netted 10 more league goals last term, whilst also managing to catch the eye with his tally of five goals from 10 appearances in the Champions League.
However, away from his clinical goalscoring tally, the forward’s underlying stats also highlight how he can be a better fit for De Zerbi’s men than the Englishman.
He registered nearly two times more shots on target last campaign, with his tally of 1.5 efforts per 90 placing him above 80% of strikers across Europe’s top-five leagues.
Balogun has gained a reputation for being a superb attacker within the 18-yard box, with his poacher instincts playing a huge part in his impressive goal tally in 2025/26.
His tally of 7.2 touches in the opposition box per 90 demonstrates his excellent ability to be in the right place at the right time – which saw him better 95% of other forwards in such a department.
Like his shot on target tally, such a figure was nearly two times higher than that of Solanke, with Balogun clearly a player who can have a bigger impact in North London in the near future.
Spurs’ need for a new marksman has been there for all to see in recent times, with a deal for the Monaco star able to end the club’s pursuit for a new number nine.
Some supporters may think replacing the Englishman may be an unfair move, but it highlights the ambition of the manager and the hierarchy to make the club a dominant force in the years ahead.
