Football
Exclusive: Leeds United Plot Reunion with Manor Solomon Amid Villarreal Uncertainty
Leeds United are interested in re-signing Tottenham Hotspur's Manor Solomon if he can secure an exit from Villarreal. The winger, who struggled in La Liga, could provide cover for injured Dan James. With Chelsea's Tyrique George a top priority, Solomon is a viable alternative for Leeds. Despite political pressures, Solomon's knowledge of West Yorkshire makes him an appealing target for the club.
Sevilla FC v Villarreal CF - LaLiga EA Sports by Quality Sport Images | Getty Images
Leeds United are exploring the possibility of re-signing Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon if the winger is able to secure an early exit from Villarreal, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The 26-year-old scored 10 goals in 31 starts for Daniel Farke’s side last season, as they blazed a trail out of the Championship and back into the Premier League.
After returning to north London, Solomon joined the Spaniards on a season long basis after a move to Crystal Palace collapsed in controversial circumstances.
But he has failed to settle in La Liga and, according to sources, is ready to terminate his temporary agreement at the Stadio de la Ceramica in order to secure regular first team football elsewhere.
And that has put Whites boss Daniel Farke on red alert as he looks to fill the hole created in his squad by Dan James’ hamstring injury, which is expected to rule the Wales star out of action for around two months.
Other Options
Chelsea’s Tyrique George is said to be Leeds’ top priority although Everton’s interest in the youngster is threatening to complicate their efforts to push a deal through.
Solomon is viewed as a viable alternative should George ultimately head to Merseyside or Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace are also understood to be monitoring his situation closely.
Leeds are also primed to go toe-to-toe with Crystal Palace for Raheem Sterling, with Chelsea prepared to continue covering a significant portion of his wages simply to move him on — a scenario that could put a cut-price deal firmly within the Whites’ reach.”
Capped nearly 50 times by Israel, Solomon has faced pressure from various political groups in Europe given events in Gaza.
However, after playing a crucial role in Leeds’ most recent promotion, both Farke and the player know Elland Road’s notoriously partisan fan base would place a protective arm around his shoulder should he ever return.
Given that they are looking to identify cover for James rather than replace him altogether, Solomon’s knowledge of West Yorkshire also makes him an appealing target as he would be expected to quickly settle in to what is a familiar environment.
Solomon has also represented Shakhtar Donetsk and Fulham during a career which began in Israel with Maccabi Petah Tikva.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.