Ange Postecoglou has explained the reason for not signing Ivan Toney, saying that he wanted Dominic Solanke more.
Toney was heavily linked with a move to north London as uncertainty over his Brentford future grew over the course of the previous Premier League campaign.
Tottenham opted not to sign Ivan Toney this summerGetty
In the end Spurs opted to sign Solanke from Bournemouth in a deal worth £65million.
This came after he racked up 21 goals in all competitions for the Cherries last term.
That paved the way for Toney to complete a lucrative move of his own, joining Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli for a fee of £40m.
Explaining Tottenham’s decision not to sign Toney, Postecoglou said: “We looked at him, but the reality was that Dom [Solanke] is the one that I wanted.
“It took the whole summer to get him in, but he was the one that fitted the profile that we wanted.”
While Toney will be hoping to make a success of himself in Saudi Arabia, Solanke is still bedding into life in north London.
Solanke has endured a tricky start to life with Tottenham, with his new team winning just one of three fixtures he’s played in.
Without a goal to his name, the 27-year-old will be desperate to open his account for the Lilywhites when they face Brentford on Saturday evening – LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on talkSPORT 2.
But discussing Solanke, Postecoglou only had positive things to say.
“He’s settled in really well,” Postecoglou said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Here’s how Toney and Solanke’s stats compared from their last two Premier League seasons *Toney missed five months of 2023/24 campaign due to betting bantalkSPORT/Opta
That led to Toney joining Al Ahli for £40millionInstagram @alahliclub.sa
Meanwhile Spurs spent £65million on Solanke who is yet to score for the clubGetty
“There’s plenty more to come from him, because he got injured. He’s only played two-and-a-bit games for us.
“He just needs to get some games under his belt.
“But what I’ve seen in the games he has played, he’s going to be a real asset for us.
“I’ve got no doubt he’ll be a great contributor.”
Tottenham vs Brentford kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, September 21 and is exclusively live on talkSPORT 2.
