The Dominic Solanke news Spurs supporters barely dared to hope for is now starting to come true.
Tottenham Hotspur have delivered only a few genuinely promising performances during the 2025/26 Premier League and Champions League seasons. Still, even under Thomas Frank, Spurs can usually count on familiar opponents West Ham United to provide a much-needed lift.
After already giving Spurs a major boost by allowing Mohammed Kudus to join them—before his unfortunate injury—the Hammers were comfortably beaten 3-0 in September. Now, following another disappointing run that ended with a 2-1 FA Cup loss to Aston Villa last weekend, this weekend’s second league meeting with West Ham feels especially important.
Kudus is still out, but new signing Conor Gallagher could be available for Frank. Even more crucial is the possible return of a key striker. With Richarlison now sidelined for the first time this season, Tottenham might finally see Dominic Solanke make a meaningful comeback.
Signed for £65 million in summer 2024, Solanke didn’t fully live up to his price tag in his first season. However, he still proved valuable, playing a key role in Spurs’ Europa League win with important goals and solid overall contributions. When fit, there’s no doubt he is Tottenham’s best centre-forward and, in 2026, a stronger option than Richarlison.
Yet a persistent foot injury has kept Solanke out for months. He has not started a single match this season and has only made three brief appearances. That changed slightly last weekend when he came on as a substitute against Aston Villa.
Before Saturday’s game with West Ham, Frank provided a positive update, suggesting Solanke is close to returning to full action. Speaking to Football.London’s Alasdair Gold, he said:
“Destiny and Dom got a good week of training so are closer to playing more minutes.”
Frank has made similar comments before, but saying this just days before a big match gives it more significance. Randal Kolo Muani remains another strong option up front, yet despite moments of quality—including a standout performance against PSG—he has not yet fully secured the role.
Solanke’s physical strength and all-around forward play would be a major asset for midfielders Xavi Simons and Gallagher, as well as wingers Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert. Spurs had largely written him off for this season, but if he can start against West Ham and gradually build up his minutes, Tottenham may finally be able to remove striker from their list of urgent priorities.