Former Israel star Eyal Berkovic says Manor Solomon has chosen Premier League newcomers Fulham over a move to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, speaking to Sport5.
If you want proof of the pulling power of the Premier League, then look no further than Fulham.
The Cottagers have already managed to lure one of Europe’s most effective defensive midfielders to West London; Portugal international Joao Palhinha swapping Champions League football for a potential relegation battle in England.
Solomon will join him. At last. The Athletic claim that one of the summer’s longest-running sagas is finally coming to an end. The Shakhtar Donetsk winger will arrive on loan after a £6 million permanent deal fell through.
Now, it’s common knowledge that ambitious Ligue 1 outfit Nice wanted Solomon. But, according to Berkovic, there was an even bigger club in the race too.
Fulham finally close in on Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon
“Manor Solomon was supposed to sign for Atletico Madrid. Idan Ofer (the Israeli billionaire and a shareholder at Los Colchoneros) wanted him,” Berkovic explains.
“And at the last minute, he decided to sign for Fulham. Diego Simeone could not meet him, but Fulham’s coach (Marco Silva) did meet him.”
“I’m a little surprised that he has no more offers. He is a football star and he is at his peak. Manor is a star.”
Berkovic, formerly of Portsmouth and Manchester City, knows from experience how difficult it can be adapting to life in arguably Europe’s most competitive division. And Solomon is swapping a Shakhtar side used to silverware for a Fulham team who have suffered relegation in both of their last two top-flight campaigns.
“He joins a team that will probably be at the bottom,” Berkovic adds. “It’s not Manchester City, who control the game all the time. At Fulham, he will see the ball less. Another thing, their pitch is very problematic. There is a tight atmosphere. I personally would hate playing there.
“We’ll have to see how he adapts to English football. It’s a different type of football. He has to know how to be cheeky.
“It will not be easy for Manor. The intensity is different, the pace is different. It’s a huge difference.”
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