It’s been just a few months since Dominic Solanke made his high-profile switch to Tottenham Hotspur, but the North London club is already preparing for the future. Reports suggest Spurs are actively pursuing a potential replacement for the in-form striker—one who has registered an impressive 26 goals and assists this season. The move shows the club’s desire to continue evolving and strengthening their squad depth, even while key fixtures are underway.
Spurs Hold Advantage Heading into Second Leg Clash Against Bodo/Glimt
Tottenham head into Thursday night’s Europa League semifinal second leg against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt with a commanding 3-1 advantage from the first leg. The match, set to take place in Norway, is crucial for Spurs as they look to book their place in the final against fellow Premier League side Manchester United, who hold a 3-0 lead over Athletic Club in the other semifinal.
Injury Concerns Mount – But Solanke Boosts Spurs
Despite the strong position on aggregate, Tottenham will be without two of their creative sparks—Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison—both of whom are out for the remainder of the season due to injury. Maddison, who picked up a knee injury, was withdrawn from the recent match against West Ham, along with Solanke, though the latter’s issue was less serious.
According to Daily Mail reporter Matt Barlow, Solanke is expected to be fit and available for Thursday’s match after being taken off as a precaution in the first leg. The groin issue he suffered has not developed into anything serious, and the former Bournemouth man is confident he’ll be able to contribute, even if not from the start.
Postecoglou Faces Selection Dilemma Up Front
Manager Ange Postecoglou has a big decision to make regarding his attacking lineup. Solanke has been in good form, finding the back of the net in recent outings and offering a strong physical presence in the final third. However, Richarlison—another option up front—has also shown consistent scoring form, making the battle for the starting striker role a tough one.
To complicate things further, club captain Son Heung-min could return from a foot injury that has kept him sidelined for several weeks. If Son is deemed ready, he could reclaim his spot on the left wing, possibly shifting Richarlison into the central striker role, with Solanke either starting or coming off the bench. In the first leg, Postecoglou opted for a front line featuring Richarlison on the wing and Solanke leading the line.
Tottenham Urged to Stay Focused Despite First Leg Cushion
While Spurs are strong favorites to progress to the Europa League Final, they’ll be wary of complacency. Tottenham’s history of unpredictability in knockout matches means they can’t afford to rest on their laurels. Bodo/Glimt may be the underdogs, but they’re capable of turning the tide at home, especially if Spurs ease off the gas.
Postecoglou is expected to call upon all available firepower, and even if Solanke is used as a substitute, his presence could be crucial. His experience with top clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea and his recent form make him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations.
Forward Thinking: Spurs Already Planning for the Future
With Maddison and Bergvall sidelined and key players like Son and Solanke only just returning from knocks, Tottenham’s depth is being tested. But what’s even more telling is that the club appears to be thinking ahead, reportedly identifying a prolific forward with 26 goal contributions this season as a potential addition to the squad.
That level of productivity is hard to ignore, and Spurs seem intent on ensuring they’re not caught short in future seasons. Whether this move is to prepare for rotation, injury insurance, or to ignite competition within the squad, it sends a clear message—Tottenham are not standing still.
As the Europa League campaign reaches its climax and the race for silverware heats up, Spurs are balancing their present ambitions with a clear eye on the future.
