Dominic Solanke’s Impressive Form Sparks Interest in Potential £35m Move
Dominic Solanke’s exceptional performances for Bournemouth in recent seasons have caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, igniting speculation of a potential £35m transfer. The 25-year-old forward, who departed Liverpool four years ago, has evolved into a notable marksman in the Premier League.
When Solanke left Liverpool, it was seen as a smart move for both parties. At the time, Solanke had limited game time and only one goal to his name in 21 Premier League appearances. The transfer fee was initially valued at £19m, with additional add-ons.
However, Solanke has shown steady growth with each passing season. His impressive tally of 29 Championship goals in the 2021/22 campaign played a crucial role in Bournemouth’s promotion to the Premier League. Although he only managed six goals in 33 games last season, his overall contribution to the Cherries’ fight to maintain top-flight status cannot be underestimated. Additionally, he recorded a club-high of seven assists.
Solanke’s performances in the opening two matches of the current Premier League season have attracted admiration from several clubs, including West Ham, who were on the receiving end of his goal in the opening fixture. Fulham is another club rumored to be interested in securing his services. Reports suggest that a potential transfer could potentially amount between £35m and £40m.
Liverpool, who sold Solanke to Bournemouth in 2019 for a fee of £3m, is believed to have capitalized on most of the add-ons in the deal, totaling approximately £24m. The transaction included two key clauses, skillfully negotiated by former Reds sporting director Michael Edwards. One clause entails a buyback option, while the other secures a 20% sell-on fee.
Although Solanke signed an extension to his contract with Bournemouth last August, any potential financial responsibilities owed to Liverpool would remain unaffected if a Premier League club were to tempt the Cherries into selling the striker.
Daniel Geey, a sports lawyer and author, explains that sell-on clauses typically remain in effect until activated, regardless of a player’s contract renewal. Clauses are usually set at a percentage above the original fee paid for the player, excluding add-ons. In Solanke’s case, Liverpool’s sell-on fee, understood to be 20% above the contingents, may not reach astronomical figures, given that Bournemouth paid £24m for the player’s services. If Solanke were to be sold for £35m, the sell-on fee would be 20% of the remaining £11m, potentially amounting to around £2.2m to £3.2m. Thus, the total value of the Solanke deal for Liverpool could exceed £27m.
While it remains uncertain if Solanke will move in this transfer window, his impressive performances and growing reputation among potential suitors would significantly benefit Liverpool financially. The higher the transfer fee, the greater the financial gain for the Reds.
In conclusion, Dominic Solanke’s impressive form has sparked interest from Premier League clubs. With a potential transfer fee of £35m, Liverpool stands a chance to cash in on their sell-on clause, potentially adding to the overall value of the Solanke deal. The outcome of a potential move for Solanke is yet to be determined, but his recent performances have certainly put him on the radar of top-flight clubs seeking attacking talent.
