Transfer market expert Pete O’Rourke says Leeds United may come to regret a major mistake they made regarding Manor Solomon following the latest development regarding the future of the Tottenham Hotspur winger.
Spurs will be delighted with how Solomon has performed on loan at Leeds, with the winger putting himself in the shop window by playing a key role in helping the Yorkshire club win the Championship title and secure promotion to the Premier League.
It thus comes as no surprise that Leeds are now working on a deal to sign Solomon permanently ahead of their return to the top-flight.
However, according to various sources, Daniel Farke’s men are expected to face competition from Everton and Marseille for Solomon, as the race for the Tottenham man heats up.
Why Leeds United may fall short in Manor Solomon pursuit
Pete O’Rourke has now said that the newly promoted club will find it challenging to beat Marseille to the signature of the Israel international, given that the Ligue 1 side can offer Champions League football to the player.
The journalist suggests that Leeds could come to regret the fact that they did not insist on an option to buy when agreeing a loan deal with Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
O’Rourke told Football Insider about Solomon: “He obviously had a great time at Leeds on loan from Tottenham and was very key for Leeds’ successful promotion back to the Premier League. [He’s a] huge fans’ favourite as well, especially with that dramatic late goal against Plymouth to seal the title on the final day of the season.
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“Look, if Marseille are interested in Manor Solomon, it’s going to be difficult for Leeds to try and sign him on a permanent basis. When they signed him from Tottenham on loan, there was no option in there to sign him [permanently] either, which maybe looks a bit of a mistake now – it’s an open race for Solomon.”
Leeds hoping to bring Tottenham’s Manor Solomon asking price down
According to reports over recent days, there is also a small difference in Tottenham’s and Leeds’ valuation of the winger ahead of the summer window.
It has been claimed by TBR Football that Spurs want £20m for Solomon while Leeds only want to pay £15m for the winger, who played a crucial role in ensuring the club bounced back up to the top-flight.
However, the outlet claimed that the 25-year-old’s preference is to make a move to Elland Road ahead of Marseille and Everton, which could end up being crucial in the transfer race.