Tottenham have reportedly entered pole position to sign a “big striker” for manager Thomas Frank in January, coming amid reports that the unfit Dominic Solanke now faces an uncertain future at the club.
Thomas Frank unimpressed by Dominic Solanke at Tottenham
Spurs’ club-record signing has played just 49 minutes in all competitions so far this campaign, with a niggling ankle problem keeping him out of action since their 2-0 win at Man City in August.
His ankle issue required minor surgery and Frank has confirmed that the England striker could soon return to the field, having made decent progress in his recovery, but we can still only estimate when he will be fit and available for selection once again.
“It’s all good from the guys who played on Sunday,” Frank said in his latest injury update before Newcastle.
“Dominic – steps forward, it’s step by step. Cuti is on the pitch, no timeframe, but on the pitch. Destiny is on the pitch as well, so, three steps forward.”
Tottenham absentee list to face Newcastle | Problem | Estimated return date |
|---|---|---|
Dejan Kulusevski | Knee | 22/11/2025 |
James Maddison | ACL | 01/06/2026 |
Radu Dragusin | Knee | 22/11/2025 |
Ben Davies | Thigh | 23/11/2025 |
Yves Bissouma | Ankle/Foot | 08/11/2025 |
Cristian Romero | Groin | 01/11/2025 |
Destiny Udogie | Knee | 08/11/2025 |
Dominic Solanke | Ankle | 08/11/2025 |
via Premier Injuries | ||
Fitness issues have been commonplace at Spurs since Solanke made the £65 million move from Bournemouth last year, and he hasn’t had a chance to showcase his worth to Frank just yet.
The 28-year-old finished 24/25 as Tottenham’s second-top goalscorer behind Brennan Johnson with 16 goals in all competitions, but a combination of knee, thigh and ankle problems limited his availability.
Interestingly, according to a report from Football Insider this week, Frank has already seen enough.
It is believed that Frank has been left unimpressed by Solanke and a January exit could be on the cards for him, as Tottenham’s manager decides that he wants a new striker to come in.
In the build up to the next transfer window, reports have suggested that Tottenham could bring Ivan Toney back to the Premier League on loan from Al-Ahli, with Frank’s ex-star at Brentford looking to battle his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Some media sources claim that Frank has personally contacted Toney about a temporary move to Spurs, but there are other options.
With his contract expiring in 2026, Spurs have also been touted as suitors for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović.
Tottenham “leading the race” to sign Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović
According to reliable Bundesliga journalist and Bayern Munich expert Christian Falk, there’s been an update, and one which suits the north Londoners down to the ground.
While Bayern were continuously linked, it is actually Tottenham who are “leading the race” to sign Vlahovic, as Falk tells Bayern Insider that Vincent Kompany’s side have now backed off.
“It is true: Dušan Vlahović is no longer part of the club’s transfer plans, for the moment,” said Falk.
“There was interest in the Serbian, but I think the club’s thought process at the moment is revolving around Harry Kane’s brilliant form and performances. Having two big strikers at the club isn’t always so easy, as Vlahović will undoubtedtly want frequent game time as well, and he’d want a big salary, even as a free agent.
“The other thing we heard is that many Premier League clubs are behind them, Tottenham is leading the race. Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested. So, you know, if such clubs are already at the table, it then becomes a question of money (potentially a lot of money).”
The 25-year-old, who reportedly earns a whopping £375,000-per-week in Turin, has managed to score at least 14 goals per season since his magnificent breakout campaign at Fiorentina in 2020/2021.
Vlahovic can be a big-game player as well, with strikes coming in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund and Man City over the last two seasons, as well as in crucial Serie A matches against the likes of Inter Milan.
On a free transfer or for a cut-price in January, Vlahovic could be a real coup, but he’ll almost certainly have to take a massive pay cut.
