Paul Merson rates Dominic Solanke transfer as Tottenham pressure claim made
Dominic Solanke has been underwhelming at Tottenham this season, with Paul Merson analysing the former Bournemouth striker’s transfer.
The North London outfit spent a fair amount of money on the England international last summer, but his impact has been negligible this season.
Ange Postecoglou has relied on Solanke to lead the line, but the centre-forward has been underwhelming for the most part.
The 27-year-old once again failed to find the back of the net as the Lilywhites lost 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday (3 April).
Solanke to come good at Tottenham after Bournemouth transfer
Solanke will eventually come good at Spurs after struggling in the current campaign, Merson says.
The Sky Sports pundit believes the pressure of playing for the North London outfit has affected the English striker since moving from Bournemouth.
Merson feels the 27-year-old was a decent signing for the Lilywhites last summer and expects him to get better next season.
| Appearances (2024/25) | Goals | Assists |
| 34 | 11 | 8 |
Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League (3 April), the ex-Arsenal attacker said: “I thought [Solanke] was a good signing when he signed. I still believe it will be but I don’t think he’s got to the heights he did at Bournemouth. It’s been a bit stop-start.
“Better things next season, in my opinion. I think he’s got to get used to it. I think hasn’t been able to handle that pressure as well as I thought he would. He will get better.
“I would [rate him] C. I think there’s a lot more to come.”
Postecoglou can’t wait for Solanke to get better at Spurs
Solanke has been one of the several Spurs players who have suffered injuries this season, contributing to their abysmal campaign.
The English forward has returned to action in recent matches but has been unable to turn the tide at the North London outfit.
Enzo Fernandez scored the only goal of the fixture as Chelsea beat the Lilywhites, extending the visitors’ winless run to four matches.
Postecoglou’s sacking at Tottenham draws near as he has been unable to get the best out of his team this season.
Apart from Solanke, Richarlison is at the Australian manager’s disposal for the number nine position, but the Brazil international has hardly been available in the current campaign.
Mathys Tel was signed on loan from Bayern Munich in the winter transfer window, but the 19-year-old hasn’t been able to do much.
Son Heung-min has been ever-reliable at Spurs over the years, but even the South Korean international’s goal contributions have dried up in recent months.
The North Londoners will have a massive decision to make with their attacking options next summer, with a reliable goalscorer needed sooner rather than later.