Talks held: Spurs in the race for “clinical” £86m star who could already rival Solanke
Tottenham Hotspur have had a truly remarkable summer this year, making strides both on the field and in the transfer market that have fans buzzing with anticipation for the season ahead. Under the guidance of new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have shown signs of promise during their preseason campaign. The team has delivered some solid performances, including a couple of tightly contested matches against the likes of Bayern Munich, where they narrowly lost, as well as several impressive victories over teams such as Hearts, Queens Park Rangers, and Japanese side Vissel Kobe. These matches have provided a glimpse into Postecoglou’s tactical approach and have given supporters plenty of reasons to be optimistic about what’s to come.
However, it’s not just Tottenham’s on-pitch displays that have generated excitement. Off the field, the club has been proactive in strengthening the squad, with chairman Daniel Levy and his team working tirelessly in the transfer market to bring in new talent. The club’s transfer activity has been a mix of securing promising young players and making bold moves for established stars. Among the notable signings this summer are Archie Gray, a young talent with a bright future, and Yang Min-Hyeok, another player expected to add depth and quality to the squad. But the headline signing that has captured the most attention is that of Dominic Solanke, who joined Spurs for a substantial fee of £65 million. This acquisition is a clear statement of intent from the North London club, signaling their ambition to compete at the highest level this season.
The signing of Solanke, a proven goal-scorer, is particularly significant as it addresses a key area of the squad that needed reinforcement. Solanke, who has shown his quality during his time at Bournemouth, is expected to be a focal point of Tottenham’s attack. His arrival adds a new dimension to Postecoglou’s offensive setup, which is likely to be characterized by a high-pressing, fast-paced style of play. The hefty price tag attached to Solanke suggests that Tottenham are placing a great deal of faith in him to lead the line and deliver the goals that will propel them to success this season.
Yet, despite the considerable investment in Solanke, recent reports indicate that Tottenham are not resting on their laurels. The club appears to be actively exploring further options to bolster their forward line, potentially bringing in additional competition for Solanke. This move reflects a broader strategy of ensuring that the squad has the depth and quality required to compete across multiple competitions.
One name that has emerged as a potential target for Spurs is FC Porto’s prolific striker, Evanilson. According to a report by well-respected journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham have been closely monitoring Evanilson’s situation and have already initiated talks with the player’s representatives. This development suggests that the North London club has more than a passing interest in the Brazilian forward and is seriously considering a move to bring him to the Premier League. Evanilson, who has made a name for himself in Portugal, is seen as a player with immense potential and the ability to make an immediate impact in England.
While the exact details of how much Evanilson might cost Tottenham are still unclear, it is widely reported that his contract with Porto includes a release clause set at €100 million, which is roughly equivalent to £86 million. Whether or not Porto will insist on this full amount remains to be seen, but there is no denying that Evanilson’s signing would be a significant investment. Despite the high price tag, many believe that bringing Evanilson to Tottenham could be a game-changing move. His arrival would not only add more firepower to Postecoglou’s squad but could also provide healthy competition for Solanke, potentially pushing both players to reach new heights. Additionally, there is the tantalizing possibility that Solanke and Evanilson could form a formidable strike partnership, capable of terrorizing defenses in the Premier League and beyond.
In comparing the two strikers, it’s important to consider what each brings to the table. Evanilson is unlikely to be signed as a direct replacement for Solanke, but rather as a complementary option who can push the former Bournemouth striker to maintain his best form. Evanilson could offer valuable rotation options, allowing Solanke to rest when needed, or even partner with him in a two-striker formation that would align well with Postecoglou’s aggressive, attacking philosophy.
When delving into the statistics, the comparison between Evanilson and Solanke becomes even more intriguing. Evanilson’s performance last season saw him score 25 goals and provide 7 assists in 42 appearances, averaging a goal involvement every 1.31 games. This level of output is impressive and indicates that Evanilson is a clinical finisher, a trait that Tottenham could certainly benefit from. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has described Evanilson as “clinical,” highlighting his ability to consistently find the back of the net.
On the other hand, Solanke also had a strong season, recording 21 goals and 4 assists in the same number of appearances, equating to a goal involvement every 1.68 games. While Solanke’s numbers are slightly lower, it’s worth noting that he achieved these statistics in the Premier League, which is widely regarded as a more challenging and competitive environment than Liga Portugal, where Evanilson plays. This context is crucial when evaluating their respective performances.
Evanilson’s superiority in certain metrics continues when we examine their underlying numbers. The Brazilian forward outperformed Solanke in several key areas, including non-penalty expected goals plus assists, actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, key passes, shots on target, and shot and goal-creating actions, all measured per 90 minutes. These statistics suggest that Evanilson is not just a goal-scorer but also a well-rounded forward capable of contributing to various aspects of the game.
However, it’s essential to remember that these figures were achieved in a league of a lower standard than the Premier League. The transition from Liga Portugal to the Premier League is often challenging, and not all players manage to replicate their previous form in the English top flight. Nevertheless, Evanilson’s underlying numbers and overall performance indicate that he possesses the talent and potential to succeed at a higher level.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue Evanilson will likely come down to whether Tottenham can agree on a reasonable fee with Porto. If the price is right, adding Evanilson to the squad could be a masterstroke for Spurs. With two high-quality strikers in their ranks, Postecoglou would have a wealth of options at his disposal, allowing him to deploy different tactical setups depending on the opposition. The competition between Solanke and Evanilson could bring out the best in both players, and their potential partnership could provide the goals Tottenham need to challenge for silverware this season.
In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur’s summer business has been nothing short of impressive. With the signings of Solanke and the potential addition of Evanilson, the club is clearly building a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Fans have every reason to be excited about the upcoming season as Postecoglou’s side looks poised to make a strong push for success on multiple fronts. The combination of a promising preseason, smart transfer dealings, and the potential for a dynamic strike force means that Tottenham Hotspur could be on the verge of something special this season.
