Shakhtar Donetsk Seeks Compensation From Tottenham Over Manor Solomon Transfer

Shakhtar Donetsk is still seeking financial compensation from Tottenham Hotspur over the transfer of Manor Solomon, more than three years after the player left the Ukrainian club. Solomon's departure in July 2022 was facilitated by a FIFA regulation allowing players in Ukraine to suspend their contracts due to the Russian invasion, enabling him to join Fulham on loan and subsequently Tottenham as a free agent. Shakhtar, having initially purchased Solomon for €6 million from Maccabi Petah Tikva and valuing him at €20 million upon his departure, believes Tottenham owes them a portion of the transfer fee. Shakhtar CEO Serhiy Palkin stated that there were verbal agreements with Tottenham regarding a share of any future sale, and the club will formally present their claim. However, Tottenham fans, represented by commentator John Wenham, argue that the club owes Shakhtar nothing, as Solomon was signed under FIFA's special provisions. Wenham pointed out that Solomon was later sold to West Ham for approximately £5 million and suggested Palkin might be seeking around £1 million as a final settlement. He also noted that Tottenham had already facilitated a friendly match where Shakhtar retained 50% of the revenue. Tottenham Hotspur News suggested that paying any fee would be a waste of money, given Solomon's limited impact at the club, with six appearances, two assists, and no goals, before being loaned out and eventually sold. The situation leaves Tottenham potentially facing a payment for a player they acquired for free, dependent on Palkin's pursuit of the settlement.