Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Israel forward Manor Solomon on a one-year contract after he suspended his contract with Shakhtar Donetsk following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Premier League club said on Monday.
Football’s world governing body Fifa had moved to help protect foreign players affected by the conflict in Ukraine, which Russia calls a “special military operation”, by allowing them to suspend their contracts until June next year.
Solomon, who can play as an attacking midfielder or winger, exercised this option before agreeing terms with Fulham on a deal until June 30, 2023 but he cannot be registered until Aug. 1, Fulham said.
Fulham FC statemenr - Geoff Pruce
The Club is now in a position to confirm that an agreement has been reached with Manor Solomon to sign the player on a deal until 30 June 2023.
Following a FIFA ruling that allows Ukraine-based players – who are not Ukrainian nationals – to suspend their contract, Solomon exercised this option, prior to agreeing terms with Fulham.
After the suspension of the contract, FIFA issued an updated regulation that states that players in this situation cannot be registered until 1 August 2022. As a result, the Club will be applying for an international transfer certificate for Solomon on that date.
“I'm really happy and delighted to be here at Fulham and I can't wait to feel the special atmosphere at Craven Cottage,” Solomon said. “There are some great players here and I am determined to help Fulham achieve its goals for the year. I also want to send a big hug to my friends and supporters in Ukraine. You are in my thoughts.”
Tony Khan added: “I’m excited to welcome Manor Solomon to Fulham for the next year.
“Manor is a very talented young player, and he’s made it clear that coming to Fulham is his preference, so we know that he’ll work hard for our Club, and we believe that he can produce and make valuable contributions for us in the Premier League!
“Come on Fulham!”
A lively, forward-thinking attacker, Solomon is primarily utilised on the left wing, and arrives fresh from helping Israel to the top of their Nations League group with an unbeaten three-game spell, which saw him hit a brace in their 2-1 win over Albania.
Beginning his career in his homeland with Maccabi Petah Tikva, Solomon made his senior debut for the club at the age of 17, scoring his first goal soon after.
After scoring eight and providing six assists in 73 appearances for Maccabi, a still-teenage Solomon made the move to Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2019, helping them to win the Premier League that same season.
A Champions League debut followed in 2019/20, and he went on to score a last minute winner against Atalanta, as well as the equaliser in a 1-1 draw away to Manchester City.
Shakhtar again won the league that season, with Solomon having 11 goals involvements (6G, 5A) across all competitions.
He took his game to a further level in the following campaign, scoring nine times in just 23 domestic outings, as well as netting home and away as Shakhtar did the double over Real Madrid in the Champions League Group Stages.
Last season, Solomon registered four goals in 16 league appearances prior to the early termination of the competition due to the war in Ukraine.
His Donetsk record reads 22 goals and nine assists in 106 outings.
A key player for his country, Solomon made his debut for Israel in September 2018, and now has 31 caps, scoring six times.