Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 27/07/22...

[WhiteJC]

Manor Solomon's Fulham switch offers Boro boost in Rodrigo Muniz deal

FULHAM have captured Israeli winger Manor Solomon boosting Middlesbrough's hopes that they can push through a loan deal for their Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz.

The 21-year-old, who was a target for Boro last summer before deciding to move to Craven Cottage from Flamengo, is awaiting the green light on a move to Teesside with Fulham keen to add to their attacking ranks before they sanction the move.

However, Solomon's move to West London was confirmed after FIFA allowed him to suspend his contract with Shaktar Donetsk. FIFA ruled that foreign players would be allowed to suspend their contracts due to Russia's war with Ukraine.

The Israeli has joined on a contract until June 2023 but cannot be registered until 1st August.

Solomon can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger. Now that Marco Silva has added to his attacking options, Boro can feel optimistic that a deal for Muniz can be struck ahead of the season.

Boro are thin on attacking options with Duncan Watmore and Josh Coburn to choose from while manager Chris Wilder has offered a lifeline to Chuba Akpom, who returned to first-team training with the squad recently. He also came on as a second half substitute during their 2-0 pre-season win over Marseille last Friday.

Muniz, who plays as a centre forward, would give Wilder some much needed depth up front where he will be hoping to add some much needed potency in front of goal. Muniz made just two starts for the Cottagers last season but scored five goals in 25 appearances in his first season in English football. The striker is also fuelling speculation on his move to Teesside through his social media activity which has escaped a number of eagle-eyed Boro fans as he continues to like posts surrounding his potential switch to the North-East.

Boro's goalscoring problems were laid bare last season with Andraz Sporar, Aaron Connolly and Folarin Balogun all failing to hit the heights the manager had hoped for. The club have been long term admirers of Muniz having attempted to orchestrate a deal last summer and will be hoping to see their faith in the 21-year-old rewarded should a deal go through for this season.

Boro begin their Championship campaign on Saturday evening against West Brom where they play in a 17:30pm kick-off at the Riverside Stadium.



https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/20533087.manor-solomons-fulham-switch-offers-boro-boost-rodrigo-muniz-deal/

[WhiteJC]

Former Wolves target Joao Palhinha impressing with Fulham early doors

Former Wolves target Joao Palhinha has reportedly been impressing for his new club Fulham.

The Cottagers took on Portuguese side Estoril recently, and ran out 3-1 winners with the team showing glimpses of quality despite a number on interruptions.

Marco Silva's side are looking to head into the 2022/23 Premier League season in the best possible shape, as they bid to stay in the division come May next year.

Fulham have already made a number of signings, the latest being Manor Solomon. And defender Kevin Mbabu is expected to be announced imminently.

Earlier in the window, Fulham signed Palhinha.

The midfielder was heavily linked with Wolves for weeks, and it had seems as though Wanderers would finally get their man. The club had been interested in Palhinha for a number of windows previously.

But in the end, Wolves passed up the chance to sign him, and Palhinha headed to Craven Cottage. It's thought he doubled his wages.

It is thought a move was hinging on whether the club sold Ruben Neves.

Palhinha did actually confirm in an interview with Mais Futebol recently that there was never an official approach from Wanderers. In the end, Fulham completed a move for around £20 million (Sky Sports).

Wolves fans wondering how he's fared so far may be concerned to know that he has impressed.

The Athletic noted how his style complemented that of Harrison Reed, and that he 'showed a surprise fleetness of foot with his recoveries as well as proving adept at breaking up play'.

He also scored his first goal smashing home a low drive from the edge of the penalty area.

Goalscoring is not what he is most known for, but it was an excellent hit from the former Sporting CP man.

Time will tell if Palhinha will prove to be one that got away for Wolves, as he impresses for Fulham

So Palhinha is already making an impression for Fulham.

A search of his name on social media will reveal that many Cottagers fans are very much liking what they're seeing from the enforcer in pre-season.

Wolves didn't move for Palhinha in the end, despite all the speculation.

It remains to be seen if he will end up being a regret.

The fact Wolves did not move to sign him may well suggest that Neves is not going anywhere this summer.



https://www.molineux.news/news/former-wolves-target-joao-palhinha-impressing-with-fulham-early-doors/

[WhiteJC]

The Solomon deal shows we refuse to learn

Drew says our refusal to spend money on our third summer signing raises a few red flags.

Our third signing of the window is here. The one we've been waiting for. The one the club's been chasing. Manor Solomon is finally here – exciting, right? Well, on the surface, yes. But I'm left with a sour taste in my mouth. Here's why.

Busted compass
Yes – football is a business. There's no room for sentimentality, and so the cliches go. But there's a moral issue with the outcome of this deal. By dragging our heels and waiting for FIFA's 30 June deadline to pass, which enables foreign players at Ukrainian clubs to suspend their contracts for a year, we've ensured that Shakhtar Donetsk end up with a young player with just six months left of his contract next summer.

Fulham's official release states that Manor "X", however Shakhtar's CEO has a different view, telling The Athletic: "We had almost exchanged contracts and agreed everything, but when FIFA issued this decision, they (Fulham) sent us an email to say that because of the FIFA decision, we are withdrawing our contracts and conditions and everything and we will take this player. There is completely nothing we can do to stop that. He signed a contract with them and is a Fulham player."

Sure, this perennial Champions League club might not need the reported £7m we were initially set to spend, but talk about kicking someone when they're down. Is it a shrewd business move? In the long run, I'm not so sure.

Try before you lose
We've been here before, haven't we? OK, so this is our first 'loan' signing of the window – but you can bet your bottom dollar it won't be the last. And what's more, we know the stats – as Dan so eloquently summed up last month; those clubs with more loan players struggle to stay in the Premier League. Hell – we're the walking case study.

For £7m we could have signed a player that's been tracked by more than a handful of Champions League clubs – many of which play in the Premier League. So, if he performs as we hope he will in 2022/23, you can rest assured that those clubs will swoop faster than a seagull homing in on your bag of chips.

Not to mention the elephant in the room here – the option to buy. It's not mentioned in the official announcement, and as yet it's not reported anywhere. If there's no option, then this deal looks even more short-sighted.

Why not pay now, with the plan of making money in a year or two years' time? Were we not confident in Solomon's ability to deliver? Only Tony Khan and his team can answer that question.

History repeating?
Ultimately, this just smacks of a club that refuses to learn from the mistakes of the past. And we know from previous meetings with the excellent Fulham Supporters Trust, that the board don't believe mistakes were made. I think we'll agree to disagree on that one.

I'd love this article to be quote tweeted by 'Worst Fulham Takes' next summer when we snap Manor up permanently following a stellar campaign. But it won't be for £7m that's for sure, so I'm pretty sure I'm safe.

This season is survive or bust. So maybe the club's not looking beyond next summer. But this feels like a mistake.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-07-26-the-solomon-deal-shows-we-refuse-to-learn/

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal and Fulham come closer to striking deal for Bernd Leno

Arsenal lower demands for Leno

According to English news outlet the Evening Standard, Arsenal have lowered their asking price for Bernd Leno.

Fulham are the only club in Europe that has shown interest in the Gunners' German shot-stopper. After weeks of negotiation, it now seems that both the London clubs are close to reaching an agreement.

The fee that is being quoted is £8 million, lower than what the North London outfit would have hoped to generate.

Bernd Leno's Arsenal career

Bernd Leno has established himself as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018. He is the second successful German goalkeeper in Arsenal's recent history after Jens Lehmann.

After barely playing last season and the recent acquisition of USMNT international Matt Turner, all the stars align to Leno departing the Emirates Stadium, four years after making a big money move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Leno is thought to be very open to a move to Fulham as he is keen to stay in London and continue playing in the Premier League.

With the World Cup fast approaching, it is only natural that the 30-year-old wants a fresh start somewhere, sooner rather than later.

    Arsenal rejected an offer of £7m up front with £3m in add-ons from Fulham for Bernd Leno. Both clubs are motivated so things can change quickly. [@jamesbenge] #afc pic.twitter.com/6tIWHYnqXt

    — DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) July 24, 2022

The German has been a robust signing for Arsenal, as he has kept 37 clean sheets for Arsenal in 125 appearances.

The only reason we are talking about his exit is majorly due to his inability to play out from the back, which resulted in the club splashing the cash on Englishman Aaron Ramsdale last summer.

If we only talk about shot-stopping skills, the former Leverkusen man is definitely one of the best in the league.

That's why I believe Fulham are getting a world class goalkeeper for a nominal fee.



https://www.justarsenal.com/arsenal-and-fulham-come-closer-to-striking-deal-for-bernd-leno/315367

[WhiteJC]

9 goals in 6 games; Crystal Palace and Fulham target is in stunning form

Flamengo striker Pedro has now scored nine goals in five games since being linked with Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Fulham by Tuttomercatoweb.

A fortnight ago, ESPN ran a piece suggesting that 25-year-old Pedro could be a surprise star for Brazil at the Qatar World Cup. The striker's current form certainly suggests they're onto something, with the Flamengo talisman enjoying a patch as purple as a certain signing dinosaur.

After scoring four times in 7-1 Copa Libertadores thrashing of Colombian outfit Deportes Tolima, Pedro then hit braces against both Juventude and Avai. That's nine goals now in his last six games.

You certainly wouldn't believe that the one-time Fiorentina forward was enduring the longest goal-drought of his Flamengo career earlier in the summer. Then again form, as they say, is merely temporary. 

Brazil striker Pedro cannot stop scoring

According to TMW, Crystal Palace and Fulham are interested. So are a number of Serie A clubs, willing to overlook Pedro's less-than-impressive four-game stint at the Stadio Artemio Franchi back in 2019/20.

The report adds that Flamengo may be willing to accept loan offers. That is despite the fact they rejected a £30 million bid from rivals Palmeiras not so long ago, a fee that would have made Pedro the most expensive footballer in the history of Brazil's top flight.

On current evidence, Pedro is certainly a risk worth taking. What a rather awkward and gangly centre-forward lacks in aesthetics, he more than makes up for with efficiency. Give him service and he'll find the net at a more-than reliable rate.

Guillem Balague reported in March that Southampton, Brighton and Wolves were also looking at Pedro. All three clubs remain in the market for attacking reinforcements.

Wolves, after all, are still worryingly reliant on Raul Jimenez. And, what's more, the Mexican has only performed in fits and bursts since that horror injury two years ago. Southampton, meanwhile, do not have a prolific top-flight goalscorer in their ranks, even if Sekou Mara from Bordeaux looks an intriguing addition.

Pedro's career-best run of form, then, provides plenty of food for thought.

'A lot of work'

"I waited a long time to have this run," Pedro tells Globo Esporte, highlighting the impact of new Flamengo coach Dorival.

"It is the result of a lot of work. I didn't give up when I went through a difficult time. I got over it. I'm much stronger mentally. 

"If I'm doing well at Flamengo, I hope to open this door for the Selecao (Brazilian national team)."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/26/9-goals-in-6-games-crystal-palace-and-fulham-target-is-in-stunning-form/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham scores record sponsorship deal with W88

Asia-facing operator W88 has entered into a new partnership with English Premier League football club Fulham.

Under the deal, W88 will become the main team partner for Fulham during the 2022-23 season and also serve as the club's front-of-shirt sponsor, with its branding to appear on shirts worn by both the men's and women's teams.

W88 will also receive visibility across the team's Craven Cottage home ground on matchdays and via the club's digital channels.

The operator has a history of major sponsorship deals in the Premier League, having served as the main shirt sponsor of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in recent seasons. W88 is also the official betting partner of Leicester City.

"We are both proud and excited to be partnering with London's oldest professional football club, Fulham FC, as they return to the top-flight of English football," W88 business development manager Hilly Ehrlich said. "We are also looking forward to engaging with their passionate global fanbase during the season ahead and delivering innovative content with the club.

"With a global footprint, W88 is a brand which represents integrity, trust and excellence and we will be actively promoting responsible gaming."

Fulham's sales director Jon Don-Carolis added: "We're pleased to welcome W88 on board as main team partner this season in a record sponsorship deal for the club. The deal provides significant revenue to assist with our commercial objectives, enabling us to compete in a challenging and exciting Premier League campaign."

The new deal comes amid uncertainty over the future of gambling-related partnerships in the Premier League. Later this week, shareholders will vote on whether to end gambling sponsorship in the League.

Currently, none of the League's 'big six' clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham – have gambling sponsorships. However, half of other teams in England's top tier do.

The Big Step, a campaign that aims to end all gambling advertising and sponsorship in football, released an open letter calling for an end to such partnerships in the Premier League, expressing doubts about the possibility of self-regulation.

However, it also emphasised that the aim was not to prohibit the presence of gambling in football, but to lessen its presence in advertising.



https://igamingbusiness.com/fulham-scores-record-sponsorship-deal-with-w88/

[WhiteJC]

"We need to act faster" – Marco Silva urges Fulham to sign more players quickly

Portuguese newspaper A Bola today features an interview with Fulham boss Marco Silva.

Despite making clear he's been pleased with pre-season so far, the manager nearly made the chat turn into an urge for his club to sign more players, almost like a message for the board sent via Portugal.

Silva started by saying Fulham don't have enough players in their squad, claiming new additions are needed.

"The balance is positive, unfortunately for us, we are far from having the squad closed," Marco Silva told Record.

"It's clearly the only drawback, because pre-season is for that very purpose, to integrate everyone, work on principles and philosophy as well, but unfortunately, we have a small number of players and we did pre-season with practically 16, 17 players, which is very short."

Then Silva started sounding more desperate for signings. He made it clear that the ideal plan would be to have the reinforcements ready for the start of the season, instead of waiting for the final days of the transfer window.

"We have a very good group, which had an excellent pre-season, it's full of quality, but we need to be more competitive in the squad to prepare for the most difficult competition in the world, the best championship on the planet.

"We need to act faster, the market has been difficult for us, but we have to act faster, even so the pre-season has been very positive, the players have been giving their all, which is always important, and it's good to integrate the new players. It's part of a process, we started later than some of our opponents, but it was a positive pre-season.

"We have to have more reinforcements for when the Premier League starts, there is no other way, we still have a few players to sign and they are not that few. We know the market only closes on August 31st, but the Premier League starts on August 6th for us. We have to have more players to be at the level that the Premier League requires."

Despite the many players Fulham have been linked with since promotion to the Premier League, they've so far only confirmed the arrival of Manor Solomon, from Shakhtar Donestk, on a loan deal; Andreas Pereira from Manchester United in a €9.5m transfer; and the biggest signing of the summer continues to be João Palhinha, who cost €20m when bought from Portuguese side Sporting.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/need-act-faster-marco-silva-urges-fulham-sign-players-quickly/

[WhiteJC]

Bernd Leno closing in on joining Fulham

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is reportedly closing in on a transfer to newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham in an £8 million deal.

According to The Telegraph, out-of-favour Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno is on his way to Fulham, with an £8 million operation close to being finalised after lengthy negotiations between the two clubs.

Leno has been an Arsenal player since 2018 when he arrived from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen. He had been the first-choice goalkeeper for the Gunners for the majority of his stint before falling behind Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order last season. The England star put in several top-notch displays to establish himself as the No. 1 at the Emirates, condemning Leno to a backup role.

Unhappy with his situation, Leno has been seeking an exit this summer, with Arsenal also open to sanctioning a sale as he is in the final year of his contract. They have already brought in a replacement for the German international in the form of Matt Turner, who will take over as the second-choice custodian at the Emirates Stadium.

Leno had been linked with a return to Germany, but a stay in London is looking very likely as he is now set to join newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham.

Talks have resumed between Fulham and Arsenal over the signing of keeper Bernd Leno. 🇩🇪

The fee under discussion is thought to be in the region of £8m.💰

Structure of payments and add-ons are being finalised.

[via @markmcadamtv]. pic.twitter.com/2nzZbzCIHC

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 26, 2022

The Cottagers have been in the market for a new goalkeeper as they look for an upgrade on current options in Paulo Gazzaniga and Marek Rodak. They have had their eyes on a move for Leno for a while now and have been in negotiations with Arsenal over a possible transfer, while already reaching a verbal agreement with the 30-year-old over personal terms.

However, the transfer had stalled due to Arsenal's transfer fee demands of around £11 million, due to which they had already turned down an offer from Fulham. However, as per the latest report, the Gunners have decided to lower their price tag for the German and are ready to do business for just £8 million.

A move is now believed to be imminent, with Leno set to complete his transfer to Fulham. Should he join, the 30-year-old will become the fourth summer signing for the Cottagers, following in the footsteps of Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira and Manor Solomon, who recently arrived on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/07/26/bernd-leno-closing-in-on-joining-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Bernd Leno transfer to kickstart Arsenal exodus after positive talks with Fulham

Fulham are confident they can get a deal over the line for Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno, claims a report.

The Premier League new boys have had the German on their radar all summer. So much so that a verbal agreement between the player and the Cottagers was put in place at the start of July.

Leno, 30, who lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale at the start of last season, is also understood to be keen on a move across London. It would mean little upheaval for the German, who signed for Arsenal for around £2om in 2018.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Pletteberg says the prospective deal "is looking good now".

Recent negotiations between the clubs have been "positive" and an agreement is expected imminently.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is planning for life without Leno after bringing in USA international Matt Turner.

Leno remains under contract until 2023, but Arsenal are keen to get a fee for the player rather than lose him for nothing.

Initial reports claimed the north London club were looking for £10m for Leno. More recently, those demands supposedly increased to £15m.

Edu loosens Bernd Leno purse strings

Now, though, the Evening Standard has claimed that Arsenal transfer chief Edu has lowered those demands significantly.

Last week Arteta admitted focus had switched to outgoing deals at The Emirates after wrapping up a move for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

"I don't know," said Arteta when asked about more new arrivals. "We have a large squad so we have to make some decisions as well on the players that we're not going to be using consistently and be fair and straight with them and that's a process that is going to start very soon as well.

"We have to [move players on]. We have a big squad and now we have to make things happen."

Indeed, that may well have been the catalyst for Edu to loosen the purse strings on the Leno valuation. Arsenal are now reportedly progressing talks with Fulham over an £8m transfer for Leno.

The structure of £8m payment and the potential add-ons are currently being finalised.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/bernd-leno-transfer-latest-arsenal-deal-positive-talks

[WhiteJC]

Silva: Fulham 'need to act faster'

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has urged the club's hierarchy to 'act faster' to strengthen his squad in time for the start of the new Premier League season.

The Whites confirmed the capture of Manor Solomon on Monday with the Israeli international joining Andreas Pereira and Joao Palhinha as summer acquisitions. But Silva is eager to bring in further reinforcements with less than a fortnight to go before Fulham face Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season – with a new goalkeeper and at least two centre backs understood to be major priorities.

Silva told Portuguese newspaper Record:

"We need to act faster, the market has been difficult for us, but we have to act faster, even so the pre-season has been very positive, the players have been giving their all, which is always important, and it's good to integrate the new players. "Its part of a process, we started later than some of our opponents, but it was a positive pre-season.

We have to have more reinforcements for when the Premier League starts, there is no other way, we still have a few players to sign and they are not that few. We know the market only closes on August 31st, but the Premier League starts on August 6th for us. We have to have more players to be at the level that the Premier League requires."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/07/silva-fulham-need-to-act-faster/

[WhiteJC]

What's happened to the 15 players that left Fulham this summer?

Where have all the players who left Fulham ended up going?

Fulham are preparing for the start of the new Premier League season and have been bust with pre-season action.

The Cottagers stormed to the Championship title last term under Marco Silva but have a tough campaign ahead of them.

They have delved into the transfer market to sign midfielder Joao Palphina from Sporting Lisbon, winger Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk and attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira from Manchester United, with more arrivals expected to be on the way.

Their first game of the 2022/23 season is a home clash at Craven Cottage against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, before further clashes in August against Wolves, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal to see them through the opening month.

Fulham have let a lot of players leave since securing their return to the top flight to help clear space and funds in their squad.

Here is where all their departees have ended up going....

1. Cyrus Christie

He is currently training with Birmingham City, despite talk he was speaking to Watford last week.

2. Fabri

He remains a free agent following his departure from Craven Cottage.

3. Michael Hector

The defender is still available.

4. Alfie Mawson

The 28-year-old is in talks with Stoke City.

5. Jean Michael Seri

He has signed for Hull City.

6. Timmy Abraham

The striker has been on trial with Walsall.

7. Jacob Adams

He is still unattached.

8. Eric Ameyaw

The defender is weighing up his next move in the game still.

9. Jerome Opoku

He has moved to Portugal to join Arouca.

10. Julian Schwarzer

The Australian stopper is a free agent.

11. Jaylan Wildbore

The 17-year-old has a big decision to make on where to go next.

12. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa

He has signed for Napoli permanently.

13. Fabio Carvalho

The teenager has officially linked up with Liverpool this summer.

14. Xavier Benjamin

Sunderland have recently been taking a look at him.

15. Tyler Caton

The youngster remains available on a free.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/whats-happened-to-the-15-players-that-left-fulham-this-summer-3782508

[WhiteJC]

Timmy Abraham: Walsall sign former Fulham forward on one-year deal

Timmy Abraham has featured for Walsall in pre-season friendlies

Walsall have signed former Fulham forward Timmy Abraham on a one-year deal after a successful trial spell.

The 21-year-old, who is the younger brother of Roma and England striker Tammy, was released by the Whites at the end of his contract in June.

"I'm very happy to be able to come here and play for this team and put this shirt on," he told the club website.

"I've enjoyed integrating with the boys, getting to know the environment and the coaching staff."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62308056

[WhiteJC]

£6m man misses training after Fulham agree fee to sign him at last

Kevin Mbabu is not training with Wolfsburg today after Fulham agreed a fee in the region of £6 million to bring the Switzerland international back to the Premier League, as reported by Kicker.

Clearly, new Wolfsburg boss Niko Kovac is planning for life without the former Newcastle United youngster.

Mbabu was omitted from a recent pre-season trip to Belgium after entering talks with Fulham. And, after the Cottagers agreed a £6.4 million fee, the 27-year-old was conspicuous by his absence during Wolfsburg's Tuesday morning Tuesday session too.

According to The Sun, the one-time Rangers loanee has already undergone medical tests ahead of his return to England. 

Mbabu's £50,000-a-week wage demands appeared to be a potential stumbling block. But, according to BILD, that obstacle has now been removed from Fulham's path. The rampaging right-back is willing to accept a lower pay packet, with confirmation of his move seemingly now just days – or even hours – away.

Fulham agree Kevin Mbabu deal with Wolfsburg

Mbabu, an aggressive, forward-thinking, full-back, will compete with Kenny Tete for a starting spot under Marco Silva. Tete recently indicated that he plans to stay and fight for his place at Fulham, even if he does envisage a second spell at Ajax somewhere down the line.

"I don't necessarily need to leave," the Dutchman explained.

"I'm happy and my family is happy too. I firmly believe that you get what you deserve. First, train well for a week and then play a good match. Then do that for a month. Then I know that things can come your way." 

"I would like to return to Ajax one day. It is the place where I played football for eleven years and where I experienced many beautiful moments.   

"This is my club. This is my home."

Fulham are reportedly keen on free-agents Djibril Sidibe and Serge Aurier too.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/07/26/6m-man-misses-training-after-fulham-agree-fee-to-sign-him-at-last/

[WhiteJC]

Israeli star Manor Solomon finally signs with Fulham after Ukraine departure
"There are some great players here and I am determined to help Fulham achieve its goals for the year," Manor said.


MANOR SOLOMON (10) will feature for Fulham in the EPL after his tenure with Shakhtar Donetsk.
(photo credit: Juan Medina/Reuters)

After a lengthy courting process, Israeli winger Manor Solomon finally inked a deal with Fulham FC from the English Premier League after spending the last three years with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine.

Due to special FIFA rulings concerning players from Ukrainian clubs because of the recent conflict with Russia, the 23-year-old's signing will only be registered with Fulham on August 1 after having suspended his contract with Shakhtar for the upcoming 2022/23 season.

After the campaign, Solomon would return to the Ukrainian outfit until the end of his contract with the club which expires on December 31, 2023.

"I'm really happy and delighted to be here at Fulham and I can't wait to feel the special atmosphere at Craven Cottage," Solomon said. "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.

"It has been my dream to play in the Premier League," Solomon continued. "I think it's by far the best league in the world and all of the players want to play here. The club is a family club and they have wanted me a lot since day one and that is why I wanted to come to Fulham. I can't wait to get started and meet the fans. I am looking forward to playing Liverpool on opening day, when you see the fixture it's exciting. I think we can have a great season together and achieve our goals."

Solomon had already begun training with the club a few weeks ago as the paperwork in order to make the move official was already in process.

Co-owner and Executive Tony Kahn was thrilled to welcome the Israeli to Craven Cottage.

"Manor is a very talented young player and he's made it clear that coming to Fulham is his preference, so we know that he'll work hard for our Club and we believe that he can produce and make valuable contributions for us in the Premier League."

The Kfar Saba native began playing with the local Hapoel Kfar Saba youth department and then moved to Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2008 where he made his senior team debut in 2017. In 68 matches, a young Solomon found the back of the goal eight times.

As a member of the Israel National Team, Solomon recently scored both goals in a 2-1 Nations League victory over Albania to put the blue-and-white at the top of its group. In 31 appearances with Israel since being called up in 2018, the winger has scored six goals.

Solomon moved to Shakhtar in 2019 and became the youngest Israeli to score a goal in the Champions League when he scored in the final minutes of an away match at Atalanta in Italy helping his side to a 2-1 win.

In 2020, Solomon's European scoring prowess continued as he netted against Real Madrid in both the home and away clashes, opening the eyes of many across the continent which helped begin the conversation about a move to the Premier League.

In 106 contests with Shakhtar, Solomon scored 22 goals and added nine assists and will now have an opportunity to build on his budding career.

"I am proud of what I have achieved, but I am still a young guy and I want to prove myself more and more and the Premier League is the best stage to do it. It's like playing in the Champions League every week. I just want to get better, help the team and keep moving up in my career."

Fulham moved up from the Championship League after winning the title last season and while the club may have high aspirations in its first year back after a year away, its main focus is just ensuring that it stays in the top flight.

"Our main goal is to stay up in the Premier League and also deliver good football and show the fans that we belong here," noted Solomon. "This is the football I like the most and I can't wait to do that with Fulham this year.

    "This is the football I like the most and I can't wait to do that with Fulham this year"
    Manor Solomon

"I've seen some of Fulham's games last season and I knew the team that I am going to and that the gaffer Marco Silva likes offensive football, which I like as well. The Premier League will be a bit different and we won't be able to control the ball all of the time the way they did in the Championship. But I think that we can play some great football and make our fans happy."

Just as Solomon can't wait to get going, the fans are also excited for the Israeli to hit the pitch.

"I saw how much the fans wanted me and I want to thank them for that. I can't wait to see them in Craven Cottage and I am looking forward to seeing them in August."



https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-713136