“I spoke with the manager, it was like 100 per cent for me,” said Manor Solomon in 2023 when explaining his move to Tottenham Hotspur.
He had become one of Ange Postecoglou’s first signings as Spurs boss and was clearly a player the new coach wanted in his team, whether the idea was first raised by him or not. Solomon would only play six competitive matches for the Australian.
A meniscus knee injury in the following October ended up ruling him out for the rest of the 2023/24 campaign. Before that, he had played in three-qaurters of Tottenham’s eight matches, starting three of them.
After such a long time out, Postecoglou felt it best for Solomon to go out on loan last season and rediscover confidence with consistent game time. The Israeli has gone on record saying it was a risk to move to Leeds United but that he was thankful for taking the jump.
He agreed that it was his most successful season in England, having also been blighted by injury at former club Fulham. Solomon said that, as a result, Leeds will “always stay in my heart” - something he uttered even before that title winner down in Plymouth.
Sitting down with Leeds Livea few days earlier, Solomon reflected on his decision to come to Yorkshire and the influence Daniel Farke had on that. “I remember our first call on the phone,” recollected.
“We had a long call and he told me that he wanted me and explained to me what he wanted to see from me on the pitch. We always had conversations and he wanted to help me to achieve my best. So I can say that he has a lot of credit for the season that I've had.”
Asked whether Farke staying as manager would influence any transfer decision if a Leeds offer did arrive, Solomon replied: “Daniel was one of the decisions [sic] why I joined Leeds, so definitely it could be one of the reasons why I will join Leeds in the summer, why or not.”
So the manager is clearly of high importance to Solomon, not just the club and what competition they play in. A penny for his thoughts, then, amidst the sacking of Postecoglou at Spurs.
Actually, his thoughts are certainly concentrated on international duty with Israel and his wedding to fiancee Dana next week. But on the back-burner will be planning for next season with his future not yet decided.
Postecoglou's exit, and thus any new coach that comes in, will have a bearing both on the player’s thinking and where he now fits inside Tottenham’s long term plans. Solomon - contracted to Spurs until 2028 - has not experienced a managerial change since his days at Shakthar Donetsk.
There had been two changes of manager yet Solomon kept his status. Obviously, there is more ambiguity this time around. In the days after promotion with Leeds, Solomon planned to speak to his inner circle about next steps.
But taking to social media in an address to Leeds supporters, a week after hearing the away end at Plymouth chant 'sign him up' at chairman Paraag Marathe, Solomon said he still had no idea what lay ahead.
Conversations with Champions League members Marseille would be held but the French club eventually told his representatives that a deal would not be pursued due to “political reasons”. While nothing is off the table, Solomon’s preference is to stay in the Premier League anyway.
But there is a problem that might become familiar to Leeds as the summer develops. Other more established Premier League clubs might fancy Solomon and are in a better financial position without the real risk of relegation.
And additionally, while Spurs will undergo a change of manager, they will regardless need a bigger squad next season given their Champions League participation. Plus, the new boss might well favour Solomon.
The lure of not just European football but the continent’s top table is a real attraction for any player, but especially one who has already played in the competition. And if a coach can guarantee some type of involvement in it then it’s a no-brainer for Solomon.
Postecoglou’s exit adds a bit of clarity for Solomon but, in a way, also adds just as much haze. Will the new manager like him? Does he stay and try to impress, as is typically the case?
Does he give pre-season a go first? Or does he cut his losses and search for guaranteed game time elsewhere? These are all questions Solomon will be weighing up but ones that may not be answered straight away.
As a result, there may be a bit of a waiting game going on. Meanwhile, enquiries will be submitted from multiple clubs seeking his openness over joining. It would be astonishing if Leeds did not do so themselves.
But at the same time United cannot afford to wait around for too long. The left wing berth is currently depleted and it would be a concern if present options are the selection choices at the start of the season.
While Solomon would not need as much bedding-in time as others, Daniel Farke needs time to get his tactics and set-up in order before the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
The German will stay in his post, unlike Postecoglou whose departure perhaps reduces the likelihood that Solomon can be landed quickly. It's all food for thought for Solomon and for Leeds.
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