Fulham are close to concluding protracted negotiations to sign Shakhtar Donetsk’s Manor Solomon, The Athletic understands. The 22-year-old winger has agreed to join the club on loan for 12 months and is expected in London today to finalise the deal. Shakhtar and Fulham had come close to concluding a €7 million agreement for Solomon last month after weeks of talks. However, negotiations between the two clubs were impacted by a FIFA ruling that permits Ukraine-based foreign players to suspend their contracts until June 2023. Following the ruling, announced on June 21, Fulham were understood to have explored the possibility of a loan deal and at one point last week, some at the Ukrainian club considered negotiations to have been spoiled altogether. There was strong late interest from several clubs, including Ligue 1 side Nice. Shakhtar needed to conclude a sale before June 30, because after this date, the FIFA ruling stipulates the club would be unable to reach a mutual agreement with its foreign players and they in turn would be able to suspend their contracts until June 30, 2023. FIFA first announced temporary changes to employment rules in March following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in a move designed to allow players based in Ukraine and Russia to register with another club outside of a registration window. It was these rules that were extended for a further year, with the added stipulation that clubs affected had until June 30 2022 to find mutual agreements with foreign players before they would be able to suspend their contracts. This essentially meant Shakhtar needed to conclude a deal before June 30, otherwise Solomon, an Israel international, could leave for free for a season. Solomon’s current contract with Shakhtar runs until December 2023, and this loan deal will take the winger into the final six months of his contract. Fulham have now agreed a loan deal in principle for Solomon, whose first choice has always been the west London club. (Photo: Getty Images)
Fulham to beat Nice to signing of Manor Solomon
Foot Mercato report this afternoon that Nice are set to see newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham beat them to the signing of Israeli midfielder Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk. Reports last week had indicated that Les Aiglons were confident of getting a deal over the line for the 22-year-old, not least following an update in FIFA’s transfer regulations on players plying their trade in Ukraine following the start of Russia’s invasion. Solomon’s agent had also been spotted in Nice, with the midfielder having been one of new manager Lucien Favre’s priorities for the transfer window. A transfer would have also been facilitated by the fact that he owns a Portuguese passport. Instead, he has decided to join the Londoners. The Israel international has scored 22 goals in his 103 appearances with the Ukrainian team, who are Champions League regulars. His deal with Shakhtar expires at the end of the 2023 calendar year. GFFN
Fulham transfers: Promising signs with Solomon and Palhinha but no incomings yet