Fulham are looking for a ‘creative solution’ as Manor Solomon’s long-awaited move to the Premier League club is held up by yet more red tape, according to Israel-based publication Sport5.
Who saw this coming? Well, let’s be honest, pretty much everybody.
A transfer more complicated than a Christopher Nolan script and with just as many head-scratching plot points, Solomon was supposed to be unveiled as a Fulham player this week after months of speculation.
According to the Daily Mail, The Cottagers have agreed a loan deal with Shakhtar Donetsk. This comes as a permanent £6 million deal – one rubber stamped all the way back in April – hit the buffers.
Solomon, an exciting, technically gifted winger who has been compared to Eden Hazard and once caught the eye of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, is currently in London, having undergone medical tests with the Championship champions.
But the wait goes on.
Fulham’s Manor Solomon deal pending
Sport5 claim that, under new FIFA legislation, players arriving from Ukraine will have to wait until August to be registered at their new clubs. Fulham are looking for a way around the issue, in the hope that Solomon will play a part in their pre-season preparations.
Adapting to a new life in a new league is difficult enough. Solomon really doesn’t need the extra complication of playing catch up after missing pre-season. The Cottagers hope that an agreement can be reached. Thus, allowing Solomon to join Marco Silva’s squad immediately ahead of this month’s trip to Portugal.
According to Ynet, there is confidence that Solomon will finally put pen to paper sooner rather than later. Potentially, as soon as Tuesday next week.
“Manor Solomon was supposed to sign for Atletico Madrid. Idan Ofer (the Israeli billionaire and a shareholder at Los Colchoneros) wanted him,” compatriot and former Manchester City ace Eyal Berkovic said this week.
“And at the last minute, he decided to sign for Fulham. Diego Simeone could not meet him, but Fulham’s coach 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.”
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