Manor Solomon reportedly rejected the advances of many top clubs, including Barcelona, to join Tottenham in a controversial transfer.
According to The Athletic, Manor Solomon may have rejected the advances of many top European clubs to continue his career in England and join Tottenham. The Israel international is all set to complete a controversial move to Spurs amid Shakhtar Donetsk’s threats of legal action following his Bosman move.
Manor Solomon was a highly-rated player while at Shakhtar Donetsk. But there were doubts about whether he could hatch it into one of the top leagues. Fulham took up the chance to take the 23-year-old winger on loan last summer after Ukraine-based players faced difficulties playing regular football.
The Israel international moved to London. But an early injury kept him sidelined for a considerable period. However, he returned with a bang, and his contributions off the bench became vital for Marco Silva. The Fulham boss wanted to keep hold of the 23-year-old winger but knew of the growing interest from bigger clubs.
Arsenal and Barcelona were among the sides keen on the winger. The Gunners might have made the move had Reiss Nelson left on a free transfer. With Nelson staying put at the Emirates, the door opened for other teams to make their move for the Israel international.
On the other hand, Barcelona has been searching for bargain moves in the market. Their financial condition restricts any large expenditure on new players, which had led them to look closely at the Bosman market. For the profile they wanted, Solomon fitted the bill and could have been a low-cost acquisition considering his salary demands.
Despite Barcelona’s interest, Solomon decided to stay in England and is now set to sign for Tottenham. The North Londoners were surprised entrants in the race for the 23-year-old winger. Spurs wanted to improve their attack this summer, and he might replace Ivan Perisic, who could leave after a single season.
The free transfer has landed Tottenham into some controversy as Shakhtar Donetsk continue to demand a transfer fee for the 23-year-old winger. The Ukrainian club have threatened Spurs with legal action, although the North Londoners are confident of resolving this issue.
As for Solomon, he might have preferred to stay in England and further his career rather than move to another country in the space of 12 months. At Tottenham, he will play a level of football he’s never experienced before and could make the grade with the players around him in North London.
