Shakhtar Donetsk to seek compensation from Tottenham over Manor Solomon transfer

Shakhtar Donetsk intends to seek compensation from Tottenham Hotspur concerning the transfer of winger Manor Solomon. The Ukrainian club stated that discussions will be reopened with Spurs regarding a portion of any future sale, following Solomon's move to West Ham United.

Background to the transfer

Manor Solomon joined Tottenham on a free transfer in July 2023. This move followed a FIFA ruling that permitted foreign players at clubs in Russia and Ukraine to suspend their contracts immediately after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the time of his initial transfer to Spurs, Shakhtar Donetsk asserted that Solomon possessed a market value of approximately €20 million, equivalent to £16.9 million.

Verbal agreement claims

Sergei Palkin, Shakhtar Donetsk's chief executive, revealed that discussions took place between the two clubs when Solomon initially moved to north London. Palkin stated that both Tottenham and Shakhtar had a verbal agreement that Spurs would pay Shakhtar a fraction of any future sale of the player. 'Verbally, we agreed that when they sell the player, they will pay us part of the sale,' Palkin said, as reported by The Standard. 'Now we will come to them officially with our suggestions and our view of the situation.'

Solomon subsequently transferred from Tottenham to West Ham United during the summer for an initial fee of £5 million. Palkin expressed hope for an amicable arrangement between Shakhtar and Tottenham but indicated a willingness to involve intermediaries or pursue the case through the European Club Association or the Court of Arbitration for Sport if an agreement could not be reached.

Tottenham Hotspur has been contacted for comment on the matter.