Manor Solomon Reveals Yossi Benayoun Advised Him to Join West Ham
Manor Solomon, the Israeli national team star, is eagerly anticipating the new Championship season as West Ham prepares to face Burnley in the opening round on Sunday at 19:00. In an extensive interview with the Daily Mail, Solomon discussed his special connection with West Ham legend Yossi Benayoun, revealing that he consulted Benayoun before signing with the club. Solomon admitted he was initially unaware of the intense rivalry between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur, his former team, and shared his ambition to lead West Ham back to the Premier League.
Solomon recounted his first meeting with Benayoun when he was six years old, describing how his father asked for a photo with the football icon during a visit to a football camp in Israel. Years later, at 17, Solomon trained alongside Benayoun on the Israeli national team, calling him a hero and one of the greatest Israeli footballers alongside Eyal Berkovic. Solomon admired Benayoun’s successful career in England, playing for top clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and West Ham, and saw him as a role model.
Before moving to West Ham, Solomon sought Benayoun’s advice, who encouraged him by saying West Ham would be a great fit for his style of play in English football. Solomon also highlighted a historical note: he is the first player since 2007 to transfer directly from Tottenham to West Ham. He confessed he did not fully grasp the rivalry’s significance until arriving in London, acknowledging the fierce competition among London clubs.
Despite a challenging period at Tottenham, including injuries, Solomon’s goal is clear: to help West Ham return to the Premier League, a feat he previously achieved with Leeds United in the 2024/25 season. He emphasized the difference between the Championship and Premier League and expressed confidence in West Ham’s potential to not only return to the top flight but also compete for European spots again, recalling the club’s European trophy win three years ago.
