Transfer Centre

Andoni Iraola not expecting Tottenham Hotspur-linked Dominic Solanke to leave

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 31 January 2024

Iraola not expecting Tottenham-linked Solanke to leave

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola plays down suggestions that Tottenham Hotspur-linked Dominic Solanke could leave the club before Thursday's transfer deadline.

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has played down suggestions that Dominic Solanke could leave the club before the January transfer window closes for business.

The 26-year-old has been in impressive form for the Cherries during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 14 goals and registering two assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.

Solanke has 12 Premier League goals to his name this term, and it has been claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are considering making a £50m bid for him before the winter deadline.

However, Iraola, speaking ahead of Thursday's league contest with West Ham United, said that he is expecting the centre-forward to remain at the Vitality Stadium.

"I know nothing about this. I have no news on this. As I told you in the summer, I don't expect anything to happen with anyone, especially not Dom," Iraola told reporters.

Dominic Solanke puts in his penalty for Bournemouth versus Fulham on December 26, 2023 © Reuters

Solanke came through the youth system at Chelsea, but he failed to make the breakthrough into the first team at Stamford Bridge and joined Liverpool in 2017.

The forward managed 27 appearances for the Reds, but he only netted once and was allowed to join Bournemouth on a permanent basis in January 2019.

Solanke has scored 70 goals and registered 29 assists in 198 appearances for the Cherries in all competitions, including 21 goals and 10 assists in 95 Premier League outings.

The forward registered in Bournemouth's 5-0 win over Swansea City in the FA Cup last week and is set to be in the squad for the contest with West Ham in London on Thursday.

Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke celebrates scoring against Newcastle United on November 11, 2023 © Reuters

"We have a game tomorrow night, which I have in my mind. I'm not working on these deals and I'm not focused on this side," Iraola told reporters, as he discussed his side's chances of boosting their squad before the transfer deadline.

"In my mind I'm on West Ham, but obviously there are more people in the club who are focusing on this side. We will see how it finishes.

"I don't know the chances. We still have more than 40 hours. It's a lot [of time] in this market because everything moves so quickly."

Solanke was also linked with a move to Newcastle United earlier in the January transfer window, while there have been suggestions that his form has also attracted the attention of Arsenal, with Bournemouth seemingly facing a battle to keep him on a long-term basis.