Brentford manager Thomas Frank has sent shockwaves through the Premier League with his astonishing verdict on Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, claiming the in-form forward could command a staggering £100 million price tag and deserves Champions League football.
The £100 Million Valuation That's Turning Heads
Speaking ahead of Brentford's crucial clash against Manchester City, Frank didn't hold back in his assessment of Solanke's current market value. "If you want a striker now, it's probably £100 million," the Danish tactician declared, placing the Bournemouth star in elite company among Premier League attackers.
Frank's bold statement comes amid Solanke's remarkable season under Andoni Iraola, where the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker has emerged as one of England's most prolific goalscorers.
Champions League Credentials Beyond Question
Perhaps even more striking was Frank's assertion about Solanke's readiness for Europe's biggest stage. "I think he's good enough to play for a top club and play Champions League football," Frank stated unequivocally.
This endorsement carries significant weight given Solanke's previous struggles to establish himself at elite clubs earlier in his career. The 26-year-old has undergone a remarkable transformation at Bournemouth, developing into the complete centre-forward Frank now describes as "very good in the box" with excellent link-up play.
Brentford's Manchester City Challenge Looms
Frank's comments came during his pre-match press conference for Brentford's daunting encounter with reigning champions Manchester City. The Bees manager acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead, describing Pep Guardiola's side as "the best team in the world."
Despite the intimidating opposition, Frank emphasised his team's readiness, pointing to their historic victory at the Etihad last season as proof they can compete with football's elite.
Solanke's Remarkable Resurgence
Solanke's journey from promising youngster to £100 million-rated striker represents one of the Premier League's most impressive development stories. After struggling for opportunities at Liverpool and failing to make an impact at Chelsea, the English striker has found his home on the south coast.
His current form has not only drawn praise from opposition managers like Frank but has also sparked speculation about potential England call-ups and big-money moves to clubs competing in European competitions.
As the Premier League season reaches its critical phase, Solanke's performances for Bournemouth and Frank's bold assessment have added another fascinating subplot to the ongoing narrative of English football's transfer market and the relentless pursuit of goalscoring excellence.
