In Focus: Solomon set for Spurs as Manor finds new home

Tottenham fans are getting excited as Manor Solomon edges closer to joining the North Londoners.

The Israeli, 23, has already shown what he can do in the Premier League following a loan spell with Fulham from Shakhtar Donetsk last term.

And with Spurs seemingly set to complete their swoop for him, we take a closer look at what Solomon will bring to Ange Postecoglou's squad.

Manor on a mission

Solomon was rarely a starter at Craven Cottage last term, yet he still found time to make a name for himself on English soil with his pace and direct playing style. 

The tricky forward was restricted to just 561 minutes of action in 19 Premier League appearances due to Marco Silva's preference for veteran Willian.

But Solomon managed to score four goals, including the decisive strike in the West Londoners' 1-0 victory at Brighton last February.

The 35-cap international ranked an impressive eighth in the English top flight for goals scored per 90 minutes (0.64), while sitting 21st for take-ons completed per 90 (21). 

And the Israeli speedster did not shirk away from his defensive duties either as he finished inside the division's top 40 for tackles per 90.

Pocket rocket

Solomon's purple patch of five goals in as many games in all competitions between February and March saw him praised by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Before Fulham's 3-0 loss to Arsenal, the ex-Spurs midfielder said of the attacker: "Pocket rocket — that’s what we used to call them in our day.

"Very explosive, he's got five goals in five games.

"He goes past people ever so well, he picks up good positions and this is what I like about him, he's very composed.

"He's a very adept finisher."

Squad Sol-ution

Solomon will know that he faces a serious battle to earn a regular spot in Postecoglou's first-choice XI.

While Lucas Moura has departed after his contract expired, the Aussie boss has Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son, Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski and new signing James Maddison to pick from for his attack-minded 4-3-3 formation.

But squad depth and game-changers from the bench were something Spurs sorely missed last season — and that now looks set to change in 2023-24.

On top of impressive substitute cameos with Fulham last season, Solomon has displayed versatility throughout his young career.

He is a right-footed left-winger by trade, but the three-time Ukrainian Premier League winner can operate off both flanks and was even deployed as a No10 or second striker in a Shakhtar jersey.

European experience

While Spurs are not embarking on European action after finishing eighth in the Premier League last term, Solomon's time on the continental stage is another added bonus.

He has made 16 appearances in the Champions League with Shakhtar, scoring four goals — including a strike against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the 2020-21 group stage.

That know-how could pay dividends if Postecoglou is able to guide his new club back into the competition at the first time of asking.