Dominic Solanke's Potential Liverpool Return Examined

Introduction

The January 2024 transfer window has seen plenty of speculation around potential moves for Liverpool FC. After a disappointing first half of the season, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is rumored to be looking to strengthen his squad as the club aims to turn their fortunes around and qualify for the Champions League. One player who has been repeatedly linked with a return to Anfield is former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke.

Dominic Solanke's Liverpool Career

Solanke joined Liverpool from Chelsea in 2017 after failing to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge. At just 20 years old, the striker was seen as one for the future at Anfield. However, Solanke found regular minutes hard to come by in his first season on Merseyside. He went on to make 21 Premier League appearances for Liverpool during the 2017-18 campaign, scoring just 1 goal.

The following season saw Solanke loaned out to AFC Bournemouth in search of regular game time. He went on to score 11 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions during his temporary spell at the Vitality Stadium. This proved to be his breakout season, showing the clinical finishing he was capable of when given the chance.

Solanke's Bournemouth Success

After his successful loan spell, Bournemouth decided to sign Solanke permanently in 2020 for a reported £19 million fee. Since making the south coast his permanent home, the striker has gone from strength to strength.

Over the past three and a half seasons at Bournemouth, Solanke has developed into one of the Championship's most lethal strikers. He scored 29 league goals last season as the Cherries achieved promotion to the Premier League. This incredible goalscoring form has continued into the current campaign, with Solanke netting 14 times in 21 appearances so far.

What Solanke Offers

Standing at 6ft 2in, Solanke offers a formidable physical presence up front. He has matured and bulked up during his time at Bournemouth, making him a real handful for opposition defenders. Solanke's intelligent movement and aerial ability make him a constant goal threat.

His finishing has also improved immensely from his Liverpool days. He showcases composure in front of goal and an unerring ability to find the back of the net from all kinds of positions and angles. Solanke seems to have added ruthless efficiency to his all-round game.

Why Liverpool Are Interested

It's understandable why Liverpool may be tempted to bring Solanke back to Anfield. With new signing Darwin Nunez struggling to adapt to Klopp's style, and veteran Roberto Firmino declining rapidly, Liverpool lack reliable goalscorers to support Mo Salah and Diogo Jota.

Solanke seems like an obvious solution. Not only does he offer pace, power and goals, but he also understands Klopp's demanding pressing system from his first spell at the club. Slotting back into Liverpool's frontline may not be too difficult for a revitalised Solanke.

Potential Transfer Fee

Given his importance to high-flying Bournemouth, prising Solanke away from the Vitality would not come cheap. The 25-year-old striker is arguably approaching the peak years of his career. With his contract running until 2026, Bournemouth hold all the cards in negotiations.

Recent reports suggest Bournemouth value Solanke at around £60 million. This would represent a massive profit on the £19 million they paid Liverpool three years ago. While this fee may seem excessive, proven Premier League goalscorers command premium prices.

Would a Move Make Sense for Solanke?

From Solanke's perspective, a return to Liverpool could be a risky move. At Bournemouth, he is the undisputed main man up front. Solanke plays every week and knows how to thrive in their system. Joining Liverpool would open up questions about game time and whether Klopp would trust him to lead the line in big matches.

Remaining at Bournemouth guarantees Solanke will play a pivotal role in their battle to avoid Premier League relegation. His goals could prove priceless in keeping the Cherries up. Jumping ship to rejoin Liverpool mid-season is unlikely to appeal compared to becoming a hero on the south coast.

Klopp's Faith in Solanke?

Some may question whether Klopp would show faith in Solanke after the player failed to impress during his first spell at Anfield. Handing over £60 million for a player who previously flopped may seem a risky roll of the dice.

However, Klopp has never been afraid to admit when he misjudged a player during their first stint at Liverpool. Both Marko Grujic and Harry Wilson have returned from initial loan spells away to become valued squad members under Klopp.

Chance to Prove Himself

If Solanke did make his Anfield return, he would be determined to prove himself. Playing alongside world-class talents like Salah, Thiago, and Van Dijk, would bring out the best in him. Solanke has a point to prove after failing to make his mark at Liverpool first time around.

With maturity and experience under his belt, a second spell on Merseyside could allow Solanke to finally flourish. Klopp may feel it's worth rolling the dice to find out.

Conclusion

In many ways, a Liverpool return makes sense for both Solanke and the club. With his development into a clinical finisher, Solanke could provide genuine competition and quality back-up to Nunez and Firmino.

However, given his importance to Bournemouth, actually prizing Solanke away mid-season realistically seems unlikely. Bournemouth will fight hard to keep their talisman as they battle relegation.

While just a rumor for now, a revitalized Solanke would offer an intriguing option to revive Liverpool's faltering season. After his initial struggles, the stage could be set for the striker finally realize his potential at Anfield second time around.

FAQs

Why did Dominic Solanke leave Liverpool initially?

Solanke left Liverpool in 2020 after struggling for regular playing time. He was loaned to Bournemouth in 2019 and impressed, leading to a permanent deal. At Liverpool he found himself behind Firmino, Mane, and Salah in the pecking order.

What fee could Solanke command if he re-joined Liverpool?

Recent reports suggest Bournemouth would demand around £60 million for Solanke. This massive price tag reflects his importance to them and the fact he is in the prime of his career at 25.

How has Solanke performed for Bournemouth?

Exceptionally well - he scored 29 Championship goals last season to fire them to promotion. Solanke has 14 Premier League goals already this campaign and is their key player.

Would Klopp trust Solanke after previously flopping?

Klopp has previously re-integrated players like Grujic and Wilson after loan spells away, so he may feel Solanke has matured and is worth another chance.

Is a mid-season move likely for Solanke?

Unlikely - Bournemouth are in a relegation battle and will fight to keep Solanke as their main goal threat. A summer move seems more plausible.