Leeds hit by Manor Solomon transfer blow – ‘it’s going to be difficult’
Leeds United are in an “open race” to complete a transfer for Manor Solomon amid interest from Marseille, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Leeds’ attempts to sign Solomon permanently.
Football Insider revealed on 9 May that Tottenham are likely to sell Solomon this summer after his successful Championship season, but Marseille’s interest has thrown a spanner in the works for Leeds.
Leeds are keen to strike a deal for Solomon as soon as possible this summer, but sources told Football Insider that 49ers Enterprises have been made to regret an apparent “mistake” made 12 months ago.
Solomon’s loan move to Elland Road last summer came with no option of a permanent transfer, and with Marseille able to offer Champions League football next season, Leeds could well miss out on the winger.
Manor Solomon return a long shot at Elland Road
Football Insider revealed last month that Leeds see Solomon as one of six players in Daniel Farke’s side ready-made to be a Premier League starter, but the other five are all under contract at Elland Road.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said that while Leeds are keen to complete a permanent deal for a “fans’ favourite” in Solomon, Marseille’s approach has made them regret their loan agreement.
“He obviously had a great time at Leeds on loan from Tottenham, and was very key for Leeds’ successful promotion back to the Premier League”, he told Football Insider.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
| Manor Solomon | 39 | 30 | 10 | 12 | 3 |
“[He’s a] huge fans’ favourite as well, especially with that dramatic late goal against Plymouth to seal the title on the final day of the season.
“Look, if Marseille are interested in Manor Solomon It’s going to be difficult for Leeds to try and sign him on a permanent basis.
“When they signed him from Tottenham on loan, there was no option in there to sign him [permanently] either, which maybe looks a bit of a mistake now – it’s an open race for Solomon.”
Leeds ready for transfer rebuild as Solomon pursuit begins
Marseille’s interest in Solomon could push Leeds into a summer transfer battle, but 49ers Enterprises will be aware that sales could also be needed as Everton weigh up their long-term interest in Willy Gnonto.
Leeds and the Toffees could be set for several exchanges of business this summer, as experienced scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton’s Beto is at the top of Farke’s shortlist for a new striker.
Football Insider revealed on 11 May that the 49ers will back Farke with a transfer budget of well over £100million this summer, but it remains to be seen how far Leeds will stretch in order to sign Solomon permanently.