Tottenham could see one player return from his loan deal in January, causing a potential problem for the side in finding a new place for him if he doesn't have a future at the club
The January transfer window is just around the corner, and for Tottenham, it could provide an opportunity to push through some deals. Thomas Frank's side have been inconsistent so far, as a lack of attacking prowess and mistakes in the defensive line have been costly.
Despite that, European qualification is still in their sights, and a strong winter market could see Spurs improve in the coming weeks. While focus is naturally on potential signings, there could be some exits on the cards too, as well as some questions over the current status of their loan stars.
One of them is Manor Solomon, who could be set to terminate his loan deal at Villarreal after just half a season in La Liga. That's according to El Periodico Mediterraneo, which claims that the winger has a clause in his contract that will allow him to "unilaterally terminate" the loan in January.
Solomon has had a restricted role with Villarreal, more recently featuring as an impact substitute and playing from the bench. The 26-year-old has one goal and four assists across all competitions, but the lack of playing time has seemingly become an issue for him and his entourage.
As a result, they haven't completely ruled out the possibility of the player moving in January, which would see him make a return to Tottenham.
The forward could cause a problem for the north London club as a result, with a bit of a headache over what Frank and the hierarchy would do next.
It is unlikely that Solomon would make much of an impact in the senior team, due to the current options available in the wide areas. Therefore, another move in January would seem most likely, though it remains to be seen if that would be a loan switch or a permanent transfer.
It marks a potentially disappointing campaign so far for the winger, who was off the back of a positive loan spell with Leeds United last season.
While it seemed as though they were interested in a reunion over the summer, that move never came about again, and it remains to be seen whether they could reignite that interest if a switch were to be available again.
For now, there will be reflection on how the Villarreal move came about, with a late transfer deadline day switch bringing the move into reality. Speaking back in September, Solomon told Sports Walla: "I kept saying that my goal was to stay in England.
“I was supposed to stay. I was already close to Crystal Palace, but if I’m going to an amazing place like Villarreal, which plays in the Spanish league, which is the second best, a strong team, I’m very happy.”
Solomon now has a decision to make over his future, with the little game time he has received so far. However, it is unclear whether he will decide to stay at Villarreal with the limited opportunities, or if he risks a return to Tottenham with no guarantee of another move in the next month.
For Frank and the hierarchy, it adds another headache on top of the growing problems they face on the pitch, in trying to sort everything to get some order back.