Leeds United are yet to make their first move in the transfer market this summer, with new players being linked with the club everyday – but one player remains a priority for The Whites.
Paraag Marathe said Leeds would spend every penny possible without breaking PSR, but new sporting director Adam Underwood is yet to spend any of Leeds’ £150m budget ahead of a Premier League return.
A goalkeeper, centre-back, replacement for Junior Firpo, a midfielder or two, a no.10 and a striker are expected to be areas that the club look to strengthen. Another is signing Manor Solomon permanently.
After his 23 goals and assists last season, as well as injury-time winner against Plymouth that secured the Championship trophy, Leeds fans are absolutely desperate for the club to strike a deal for Solomon.
What Kevin De Bruyne and Willy Gnonto said about Solomon
Solomon is keen on a return to Leeds, preferring a move to Elland Road over Everton and Southampton. Marseille’s supposed interest in Solomon was immediately rubbished, but it is not going to be easy.
Indeed, talks between Leeds and Tottenham for Solomon are supposedly difficult. Daniel Levy is said to want a fee between £15m and £20m for Solomon to sign permanently, but clearly, he is a Leeds target.
At the start of the season, departing Man City icon Kevin De Bruyne said Solomon has what it takes to play in the Premier League and is “excellent”, before a Nations League match between Israel and Belgium.
“I know Manor Solomon from the Premier League. From Fulham, Tottenham, and now he has moved to Leeds. He has the qualities to play at this level. He is an excellent player,” De Bruyne said in September.
De Bruyne is not the only one to highlight Solomon’s qualities. Willy Gnonto said that Solomon works really hard and he deserves all of the plaudits coming his way, after the 4-3 win over Swansea City.
“We are really happy for him, he’s been working really hard and he deserves it,” Gnonto told BBC Radio Leeds. “He’s really good. The competition is high, good players in every position. It’s nice to have him fit.”
Dan James on his connection with Manor Solomon at Leeds
On a number of occasions, Solomon or James would cross to the other winger and a goal would be scored. Most memorably, the winner at Middlesbrough early on, when Solomon found James in the box.
Speaking after a 2-0 win over Norwich, James said Solomon is “class”: “I know he’s gonna be there and he knows I will be. He’s brilliant, he’s been class throughout, found his form, he will continue to do that.”
Hopefully for Leeds fans, The 49ers can get a deal done with Tottenham and both James and Solomon can combine once again but not in the Championship, this time in the Premier League.
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