Listening to Thomas Frank talk about our striking options is as concerning as watching the players ourselves.
A good chunk of the fan base is waiting for Dominic Solanke to return, and quite frankly, praying that he produces miracles. Joining us from AFC Bournemouth in August 2024 on a six-year contract worth an initial £55 million (potentially rising to £65 million with add-ons), marking Bournemouth’s record sale.
This move came after a standout 2023/24 season at Bournemouth, where he scored 21 goals across all competitions, including 19 in the Premier League, showcasing his pressing intensity and link-up play.
Solanke is now expected to be huge for Spurs
In 48 appearances across his time at Tottenham, Solanke has recorded 16 goals and 8 assists. However, the 2025/26 season has been challenging, with persistent fitness issues limiting his impact and raising questions about his consistency. Frank provided an update on November 8, 2025, expressing hope for Solanke’s return before year’s end but offering no firm timeline:
“I do hope so. I would say let’s see what happens after the international break.” Critics have noted a stark contrast to his injury-free 2023/24 at Bournemouth, where he played every game.”
“I think Solanke is also quite good to run behind, but I think maybe a little bit of that pace down the side, I think that’s a bit of it. I think in general, just talking about [Randal], I like his combination play, I like his link-up play. I just think he’s a good player.
“I think the international break will be the big decider, because we have two weeks there to push [Dom] to the next steps. As you say, it’s going forward. It was clear that he was not ready before the international break, it’s more if we look after the international break, that’s what we’re aiming for.
“I think you always want to get it right, but I think it’s important to get it right so he’s out there, can help the team, and we need him back.”
Dane Scarlett’s minimal involvement is puzzling
Scarlett is part of the first-team squad under manager Thomas Frank. However, he’s behind established forwards like Richarlison and loan players Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel in the pecking order.
Minimal minutes so far are an issue; just 10 minutes off the bench in a Champions League group-stage match against Copenhagen on November 5, 2025. In that cameo, he impressed by winning a penalty in stoppage time (missed by Richarlison), showcasing his pressing and movement.
“I think with Dane, first of all, I think he’s a great player. I think he’s a fantastic finisher. He finishes at a very, very high level, left and right foot. I think he probably needs the bits that every player needs.
“He needs to play minutes in games. That’s the biggest thing, and right now, the competition is tough here. To be able to give him, let’s say, three, four, five games in a row is probably a little bit difficult. It’s never impossible, but it’s a little bit difficult. For me, he needs to play games.”
After watching Richarlison steal and then blunder Dane’s penalty against Copenhagen, it may well be time to think about the future at Toothless Hotspur.