Graeme Souness is not convinced about Tottenham’s signing of Dominic Solanke, insisting that the North London club have taken a major gamble by paying such a big fee for the striker.
Dominic Solanke scored 21 goals last season
Solanke arrives at Spurs on the back of an outstanding season, with the 26-year-old finding the back of the 21 times for a Bournemouth side which finished in the bottom half of the table.
That is one of the reasons Tottenham decided to break their transfer record on the Englishman, with the Lilywhites parting ways with £65m to bring the player to the club.
Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Solanke was the striker he was desperate to bring on board, remarking that the former Cherries star would be a good fit for Spurs’ system (Football.London).
Is Solanke a gamble for Spurs?
However, Souness has pointed out that the centre-forward’s goal record prior to last season is far from impressive, insisting that the new Tottenham signing is not a player who can be relied upon to score consistently.
The pundit told talkSPORT: “Hell of a lot money for him, I think. £65 million? He has played, I think, 112 games and has got 28 goals. Was it 19 last year?
“He is not consistently scoring goals in the Premier League. I think it’s a bit of a gamble.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The stat that Souness mentioned is quite unfair on Solanke as the overwhelming majority of his appearances for Liverpool and Chelsea were cameos off the bench. He was also previously part of a Bournemouth side which struggled to create chances.
The 26-year-old showed last season after the arrival of Andoni Iraola just how effective he can be for a high-pressing side which wins the ball back high up the pitch and attacks with pace.