Striker issues at Tottenham: Analysing Ange Postecoglou’s best options in the transfer market

Tottenham Hotspur face a critical challenge in filling the void left by Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich last summer. The departure of the prolific talisman left a significant gap in the attacking line-up and replacing arguably the best striker in the world is not easy by any means for sure.

While Son Heung-min has stepped up admirably, his best performances often come from playing on the wing rather than as a central striker. This leaves Tottenham needing a reliable #9 who can deliver consistently in front of goal. Richarlison and Timo Werner have been tested, but their inconsistencies leave boss Ange Postecoglou seeking alternatives.

This transfer market offers Big Ange the best chance to asses his squad in pre-season and decide the best fit according to his style of play. If Captain Son exclusively plays on the wing, we would require a striker capable enough to consistently find the back of the net.

In this context, three potential candidates stand out: Ivan Toney of Brentford, Dominic Solanke of AFC Bournemouth, and Jonathan David of LOSC Lille. Let’s dwell deep into the triage of players, all of whom see themselves linked with a move to Hotspur Way and analyse who might fit our plans the best.

Ivan Toney

The 28-year-old Englishman has certainly been the talk of the town for the past two transfer windows. Returning from his ban, he has made the transition seem very natural and towards the end of the season, scored a few goals for Thomas Frank’s side. All said and done, Toney has made it absolutely crystal clear that Brentford is not somewhere where he sees himself in the long run. Tottenham’s need for a #9 naturally makes him a transfer target, and the club has been trying to get the player on board.

Toney has been a standout performer for the Bees, consistently scoring goals in the Premier League. His familiarity with the league’s physicality and pace is a significant advantage. In 141 appearances for Brentford across all competitions, Toney has 72 goals and 23 assists to his name.

The former Peterborough man also excels in holding up the ball and bringing his teammates into play. This ability is crucial for a team like Tottenham which often relies on quick transitions and fluid attacking movements, especially under Big Ange. Adding to that, his spot-kicks are spotless as well as his set-piece ability.

With his contract expiring next summer (Transfermarkt), Brentford might look to offload him from the squad for the best price they can get for him before he eventually sees his deal out and leaves the Bees for nothing. Let’s hope that both sides are on the same page when it comes to his valuation should Tottenham make a move for him.

Dominic Solanke

Premier League “half-royalty”. Appearances for Chelsea and Liverpool. Excellent versatility. Could play as a lone striker and can play in deeper roles like a second striker as well. Solanke has featured on the wing before and has also featured in many headlines linking him with a move to Tottenham.

The 26-year-old’s physicality allows him to compete effectively against robust Premier League defenders. His strength and stamina make him a durable option for the long season. As mentioned earlier, similar to Toney, Solanke is proficient in linking up play and can assist in creating opportunities for wingers like Son and midfielders arriving late into the box.

He is also known for his high work rate, pressing defenders and tracking back when needed. That is something one can attribute to his time under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. This fits well with Postecoglou’s high-pressing system.

However, despite his talents, Solanke’s goal-scoring record in the Premier League has been inconsistent. Tottenham need a striker who can reliably convert chances, and Solanke might not yet be that player. Or maybe it is just him making the most of his surroundings at his club. In 216 appearances across all competitions, he has 77 goals and 31 assists for the Cherries. Those are brilliant numbers for a striker playing at Bournemouth, with all due respect, of course.

Jonathan David

24-year-old Canadian international Jonathan David has put up numbers that have been up there for the last two seasons or three. He has developed a reputation for being a clinical finisher in Ligue 1. His ability to convert chances consistently could address Tottenham’s current struggles in front of goal. He is also an active transfer target for the Lilywhites.

David’s pace and movement off the ball make him a constant threat to opposition defences. He can stretch defences, creating space for other attackers. At 24, David still has his best years ahead of him. Investing in him could provide Spurs with a long-term solution at the striker position.

However, as is the case with any other striker coming in from a different league, the question of adaptability always arises. Unless you are Erling Haaland of course. The transition from Ligue 1 to the Premier League can be challenging. There’s no guarantee that David will adapt quickly to the physical and fast-paced nature of English football.

Moreover, David is highly sought after, and his availability might be limited. Competing with other top European clubs for his signature could drive up his price and complicate negotiations. 84 goals and 18 assists in 183 appearances for Lille, especially in a one-team league is a very big deal.

In terms of fit, Ivan Toney appears to be the most straightforward solution for Tottenham’s immediate needs. His experience and goal-scoring ability align well with what Spurs require to fill Kane’s void. However, if Tottenham are looking for a long-term investment with high potential, Jonathan David could be the ideal choice, provided they are willing to give him time to adapt and can secure his services amidst competition. Dominik Solanke, while versatile and hardworking, might be better suited as a backup option rather than the main striker due to his inconsistent finishing.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• Tottenham in three-way transfer battle as Conte plans to sign Spurs target this summer
• Not Toney – Tottenham put off by €50m asking price for striker whose contract expires in less than 12 months
• Tottenham now in position to hijack Chelsea deal for Serie A ace

Ultimately, the choice will depend on how Postecoglou plans to structure his team and the balance between immediate impact and long-term potential. Toney seems the best bet for an immediate fix, but David or Solanke it is for long-term solutions.