Settling in: Manor Solomon
(Picture: PA)Once FIFA had allowed foreign players affected by the war in Ukraine to leave Ukrainian clubs on loan last year, Manor Solomon was immediately attracting interest across Europe.
Now, after what he describes as “the most difficult year of my life”, the 23-year-old Israel winger is starting to show why Fulham worked so hard to sign him from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Solomon missed the first half of the season after suffering a knee injury days after making his debut against Liverpool on the opening weekend, but he returned last month and scored his first Fulham goal in their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
“I’m really happy about this goal,” said Solomon. “I’ve been waiting for it for a long, long time. We played great. We dominated the game and had so many opportunities.
“When the ball hits the net, it’s the best feeling ever. My last goal was in June [for] the national team. Then I signed for Fulham and had a long injury.
“First goal for Fulham and in the Premier League: something I’ve always dreamed of. I’m looking forward to scoring more, assisting more, and to help this great team.”
Solomon had interest from around Europe but knew he had made the right choice in joining Fulham.
“I knew what the gaffer would build, what his team would look like,” he said. “This season we see a dominant team who will face any rival face to face, eyes to eyes.
“It’s been a really positive week, and we can also take the [0-0 draw] against Chelsea which was really positive for us. The FA Cup [win over Sunderland] was a tough game against a strong team in a difficult stadium and we won.”
Solomon only wants to look forward now, and Fulham — seventh in the Premier League and pushing for Europe — are only looking up.
