BBC Journo sheds light on Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a quality No.9
Tottenham Hotspur focused on bolstering their attacking unit during the summer transfer window in an effort to resolve their struggles in the final third.
Spurs managed to secure the signings of Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani in the summer. Despite the north Londoners spending heavily on new signings in the summer transfer window, Thomas Frank was seemingly not satisfied with the transfer business. The Danish tactician is planning to strengthen the attacking unit further when the transfer window reopens.
A new striker appears to be on the agenda amid Dominic Solanke’s injury struggles. On loan from Paris Saint-Germain, Randal Kolo Muani has featured just once before suffering a dead leg. He is on his comeback trail, having played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford during the ongoing international break.
In Solanke and Kolo Muani’s absences, Richarlison has been leading the Spurs attack. After starting the season very well with a brace on the opening weekend victory over Burnley, the Brazilian has gone off the boil. This has raised questions over him being the solution to the Lilywhites’ goalscoring problems for now and in the long run.
BBC journalist sheds light on Tottenham’s hunt for a top-quality striker
Spurs must therefore be proactive in the upcoming January transfer window if they wish to compete well in all competitions this season. The Lilywhites currently sit third in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Arsenal, while they have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Champions League campaign. By beating Doncaster Rovers, Frank and Co. have also qualified to the Carabao Cup fourth round.
This makes reinforcing the squad extremely crucial. In a Q&A session, BBC Sport’s senior correspondent Sami Mokbel was asked by a fan whether Tottenham will sign a top-quality striker in 2026. He answered:
“On the face of their early season performances it is clear that one area they are lacking in is at No 9. Identifying it as an area to strengthen is one thing, but actually going out and signing someone better than what you already have is far easier said than done.
“The realistic options are few and far between. We should also remember that Tottenham have been without recognised centre forward Dominic Solanke this season which has been a major blow to Frank for obvious reasons.
“Richarlison has done a very good job starting the season as the team’s No 9. But Solanke was signed for a lot of money in the summer of 2024 and, you’d imagine he will come straight into the team when he is fit.”
Tottenham must splash the cash on a prolific striker
Tottenham have to be ruthless if they want to achieve success under Frank. Solanke has been struggling with an ankle problem and recently underwent surgery. When and how he returns from injury and manages to hit his peak form remains to be seen, so the England international will be given time to prove himself. Kolo Muani is on a dry loan and will return to Paris at the end of the season.
The spotlight remains on Richarlison, who was transfer-listed in the summer. If he fails to prove both his fitness and form this season, chances are high Tottenham would cash him in 2026. However, Spurs must not wait and splash the cash in the winter window on a top-quality striker to keep the squad competitive. Armed by the £100m injection of fresh capital from majority owners ENIC, we must show ambition in the next transfer window and break the bank for a prolific goalscorer.
