Fulham have confirmed the capture of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon this afternoon.
The 22 year-old Israeli international has signed an initial one-year deal until June 2023 following the introduction of FIFA rules allowing foreign players to cancel their contracts with Ukrainian-based clubs. The official announcement ends a protracted summer of negotiations that appeared to have been derailed on a number of occasions.
Solomon told Fulham’s official website this afternoon:
“I’m really happy and delighted to be here at Fulham and I can’t wait to feel the special atmosphere at Craven Cottage. There are some great players here and I am determined to help Fulham achieve its goals for the year. I also want to send a big hug to my friends and supporters in Ukraine. You are in my thoughts.”
Glad to finally get him in, but shouldn’t have messed about so long and got him on the permanent deal. If it doesn’t work out, he has great pedigree and would retain value even with a poor year. If he has a good year he can walk away and sign anywhere for free… If you don’t believe he can be great why sign him?
Also delighted to see another over the threshold but….
Am I missing something? Is there not a nasty taste in the mouth from Shakhtar receiving no money? Surely they need every penny they can get? Keeping alive a positive in a world of tragedy? Moral duty?
Have I got this all wrong?
Clive, I have same doubt.
As I read in a The Athletic article some days ago, FFC and Shaktar had agreed in a 6M transfer but UEFA changed its rules about players from Ukraine teams, and they had to renegotiate all from the start.
I can’t understand what’s the real issue on here, but it looks like Solomon became free to join any team after 1st August but is temporal up to June 2023 when UEFA will have to take a new decision about foreing players from Ukraine.
IMHO opinion this is a 1 year loan, and when UEFA gives green light to transfers from that country it will become a 6M transfer.
I can be wrong, so excuses if I didn’t understand it well, but that’s what I could get clear.
The only sure thing on all this is the UEFA’s ability to make simple things more complicated to the point that no one understands anything!
COYW!
Thanks Xavier. I had heard that we held back from completing a deal as a result of FIFA’s ruling. Jam tomorrow is news to me but, alas, not what is needed in Ukraine now. Still the sour taste remains.