Dominic Solanke was unveiled to Tottenham fans on Saturday (Image: GETTY)
Dominic Solanke is officially a Tottenham player and he says Ange Postecoglou's style of play will suit him perfectly. But there is still a dilemma for the striker to sort out: what shirt number he will wear.
Spurs unveiled Solanke as a big-money signing from Bournemouth on Saturday evening against Bayern Munich. The 26-year-old joins for an initial £55million fee that could rise to £65m with add-ons.
The deal allowed the north Londoners to avoid exercising the one-cap England international's £65m release clause and paying that fee in one lump sum. The ex-Chelsea and Liverpool frontman signs a contract running until 2030.
Spurs, however, stopped shirt of confirming what number Solanke will sport at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He had the No.9 in his last five seasons at Bournemouth, during which he scored 28 goals in 113 Premier League games and 44 goals in 86 Championship games.
But Richarlison owns that jersey at Spurs and the Brazilian says he's going nowhere this summer despite interest from Saudi Arabia. Solanke's shirt number before that, for the Cherries and for Liverpool, was No.29.
Dominic Solanke could eventually cost Tottenham £65million (Image: GETTY)
That is also taken at Spurs by midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. The other number Solanke has worn at senior level - No.35 - is also taken at his new club by Ashley Phillips.
With the Englishman expected to be Postecoglou's new starting striker, he would likely prefer a lower number. As it stands, the only ones below No.35 that are available are 11, 18, 19, 25, 26, 28, 31, 32, 34.
He wore the numbers 11, 18 and 41 at youth level previously for Chelsea and Liverpool. But the fact he's not been confirmed with that number for the north Londoners suggest he's waiting on another instead.
He might be hoping for a favour for one of his new team-mates though Richarlison is unlikely to want to give up the No.9 having declared himself "at home" on social media to shut down suggestions he would leave this summer.
Speaking after signing, Solanke told Spurs' official website: "I feel delighted. Obviously it's a magnificent club, a huge club with ambitions that match mine.
"I can't wait to get started. It's a great manager, great players and I feel like it definitely suits my style of play as well so I can't wait to get started and do my stuff on the pitch.
We are delighted to announce the signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.
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"I'm looking forward to gelling with everyone. I think the club has great depth throughout the whole squad, attacking options are great as well and that's what a top club needs.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with them, competing with them and hopefully we can achieve great things. I think me as a player I am ambitious on the pitch, I work hard for the team, score goals, leave it all out there.
"I love winning so hopefully we can win a few things together. That's what I'm going to bring, that fighting spirit. At the moment I am full of confidence and I feel like my game has improved a lot. I'm at that point in my career where it's all starting to come together."
