Over the course of the last three transfer windows, Leeds United have signed three players on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
Thanks to Gretar Steinsson’s arrival from Spurs, and Angus Kinnear’s good relationship with Daniel Levy, the two clubs have been able to form a good understanding off the pitch.
Leeds have put that to good effect by bringing in all of Joe Rodon, Djed Spence and Manor Solomon, while Archie Gray has moved the other way in a £40 million deal.
For Leeds, those three loans have had varying degrees of success. Rodon has undoubtedly been the most impressive signing, with his performances last season earning him a permanent move in the summer.
Despite arriving in the same window, Spence had a far different experience at Elland Road to Rodon. He was sent back to Spurs early in January due to reported issues surrounding his attitude.
How Leeds are currently feeling about Solomon
At this stage, Solomon’s loan spell at Leeds is in danger of going down the same path as Spence, though for different reasons.
Like Spence, Solomon was forced to deal with injury early on in his Leeds career, but it his performances since returning which have raised alarm bells among supporters.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has spoken exclusively to LeedsUnited.News about Solomon’s current situation at Elland Road, quickly refuting suggestions he could follow in the footsteps of Spence.
Solomon is seen as a ‘good professional’ by Daniel Farke and Bailey is ‘hearing’ Leeds are ‘pretty happy’ with how he’s settled despite his struggles to get into the team.
He said: “I don’t think it gets to that extent. With Djed Spence, it was off-field issues as well, it was more his conduct than his performances. Solomon’s a good professional. He was brought in to compete. Leeds have a high-calibre squad, it was never going to be easy for anyone to walk in there.
“They’re relatively happy to have him around, a body. Did they bring Solomon in and think he’d be the best player in the Championship? Probably not, but from what I’m hearing, he’s a good professional and they’re pretty happy.
“Will it lead to a permanent deal? It’s hard to see at this point, but still a while to go. Unless it means them bringing themselves in, I don’t see them finishing it early. I’m not hearing they’re dissatisfied. Leeds have got such a good squad, it’s not an easy one to get into.”
What Daniel Farke has said about Solomon’s Leeds form
Arguably Solomon’s worst cameo at Leeds yet came away at Bristol City a couple of weeks ago, when he was brought off the bench to try and inject some impetus into the attack.
However, with a couple of mis-controls and dribbles down blind alleys, Solomon was criticised by Jon Newsome for his display.
Speaking after that game, Farke admitted Solomon is trying a bit too hard to make things happen, and just needs to ‘relax’ when he’s on the pitch.
He said: “Sometimes like a bottle of ketchup, you shake it and you want it too much and all of a sudden it happens. When he first came he played with so much confidence, rhythm and so much confidence then the injury stopped him from going on international duty and he has to do his rehab.
“Such a proud player to play for his national team, it was a sucker punch for him. He worked so hard to come back and the feeling is of course he can’t be there with 100 per cent, he needs a bit of time.
“He works so hard in training and he always adds some additional stuff in training and in the game. He wants it so much. So sometimes you want him to relax a bit. Play a bit less complicated and it will come. We’re fully convinced of his quality.
“Out of good intention he forces it a bit too much, you don’t have to prove what a good player you are, do what you’ve done your whole career and your quality will shine. I’m pretty sure it will happen soon. Keep in mind a bottle of ketchup.”
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