Tottenham have completed the signing of forward Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth on a six-year deal.
Spurs have been on the hunt for attacking reinforcements all summer and after Solanke emerged as the club’s preferred candidate, advanced talks began with the Cherries before an agreement was reached on Friday afternoon.
The PA news agency understands the deal could eventually be worth £65million, with Tottenham spending an initial £55m and a further £10m included in the transfer as add-ons.
Solanke is Spurs! 🤍 pic.twitter.com/inojhKYlu0
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 10, 2024
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Bournemouth owner Bill Foley had confirmed earlier this summer that Solanke’s contract included a release clause in the region of £65m and his exit is a club-record sale, bettering the £40m they received for Nathan Ake from Manchester City in 2020.
If Solanke can be a success in north London, his move would surpass Spurs’ £63m record deal for Tanguy Ndombele in 2019.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou gave the green light for the club to pursue Solanke after the best season of his career.
Solanke scored 21 goals in all competitions for Bournemouth last term – including 19 in the Premier League – but also caught the eye with his pressing statistics and link-up play for Andoni Iraola’s side.
His transfer to Spurs will give Solanke another opportunity at a top-six club, after he progressed through Chelsea’s academy before he departed for Liverpool in 2017.
While chances were limited for Solanke at Anfield, he has been a key figure in keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League during the past two seasons but was eager to grasp what he views as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in signing for Tottenham.
Solanke is expected to be present for Saturday’s friendly with Bayern Munich at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Bournemouth now turn their attention to his replacement and PA understands they have been actively working on alternatives for Solanke under the proviso that he could leave after an impressive season.
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened ❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/gMwILPraEE
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 10, 2024
Cherries chief executive Neill Blake paid tribute to Solanke, who scored 77 goals in 214 appearances for the south-coast club.
Blake said: “After Dominic’s performances for us – in particular his impressive 2023-24 season – it has come as no surprise that a team of Tottenham’s calibre has shown an interest.
“This move has developed quickly but Dominic has remained professional throughout and I’d like to thank him for that.
“His development since arriving in 2019 is a credit to his work rate and endeavour, as well as the platform AFC Bournemouth gives young talent to grow.
“We’re pleased to secure a club-record fee for Dominic and he also leaves with everyone’s sincere well wishes at AFC Bournemouth.”
