Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes striker Dominic Solanke would be an ‘upgrade’ on Richarlison.
Spurs sold Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer but didn’t sign a replacement striker, instead using the likes of Son Heung-min and Richarlison as centre-forwards.
Both players fared well, with Son scoring 17 Premier League goals and Richarlison 11. However, the former is arguably far more effective as a winger, while the latter has struggled to consistently do the business since joining from Everton.
Tottenham have been heavily linked with Bournemouth striker Solanke this summer following a wonderful 2023/24 campaign in which the former Chelsea and Liverpool man notched 21 goals across all competitions, including 19 in 38 Premier League appearances.
O’Hara gives verdict on Solanke.
According to a report from Football Insider in April, Bournemouth value Solanke at £50m. If anything, that figure will only have risen given the 26-year-old scored three goals in his final six starts of the campaign, although there are rumours of a £65m release clause in his contract.
But O’Hara believes Solanke — who is also thought to be drawing interest from Arsenal and former club Chelsea — would be well worth the investment and would constitute an ‘upgrade’ on Richarlison.
“I think it’s a great signing,” O’Hara told talkSPORT. “I think he’s really good. Big season last season. I think he’d do well for Spurs.”
The former midfielder — who came through the Tottenham youth system and made 56 senior appearances for the club between 2007 and 2009 — added: “The problem he’s got with Richarlison, he can finish, he knows where the net is. But his link-up play comes off him too much.
“It goes into him, little one-twos and that around the box. He’s not clever enough. And that for me, he’s got to work on.
“I’m hoping Ange has got into him and been like, look I need you to step up if you’re gonna play number nine for us. You’ve got to be that player.
“But Solanke’s link-up is really good. You can stick it into him, runners will play off him. You know you can get Son beyond him but he’s got pace as well, he can finish.
“I think he’s an upgrade. I think he’d be a really good player for us.
“In January there was talk about the potential of him moving on. He was doing well. Bournemouth didn’t want to let him go because I think they’re worried about relegation.
“I think now would be a great time to get Solanke, I really like him. I think he’s a decent signing.”
Tottenham urged to sign £50m Richarlison replacement ahead of Chelsea Arsenal.
Tottenham could try to sign £12m Manchester City player this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur may soon be in the market for a new right-back as Emerson Royal gears up to join AC Milan.
Emerson Royal is apparently close to agreeing a move to San Siro, and Spurs are now scouring the market for replacements.
Vanderson has been linked to Tottenham, but, apparently, Spurs are now in the market for an option from within the Premier League.
Tottenham interested in Issa Kabore
According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Issa Kabore is a leading contender to replace Emerson Royal at Tottenham.
The 23-year-old is on Manchester City’s books, but he’s perhaps best remembered for his loan spell with Luton Town last season where he impressed.
It is said that Kabore would cost around £12m this summer.
Tottenham fans would be forgiven for not knowing too much about Kabore, but based on Rob Edwards’ description last season, he would be perfect for Ange Postecoglou as he’s a full-throttle full-back.
“Our supporters love him as they can see him giving absolutely everything. He is full tilt all of the time, the amount of times in training I have to say ‘Issa just steady on, calm,’ as he’s hit a match load of sprint the day before a game,’ Edwards said.
“He’s brilliant and from a disappointment that was a brilliant, brilliant way to bounce back.”
Kabore is a player who only seems to have one gear – go, and that is exactly the type of player Ange Postecoglou loves.
Kabore arrival may mean another sale
Issa Kabore looks like he could come in to replace Emerson Royal at Tottenham, but Emerson may not be the only full-back to depart if this is the case.
Indeed, this piece of business would only further show that Djed Spence doesn’t appear to have a future at Tottenham.
Spence has been impressing in pre-season, but it doesn’t look as though he features in Ange Postecoglou’s plans as Spurs want to recruit a new right-back rather than promote from within.
