Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin will meet with Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy to0 secure a transfer fee for Manor Solomon.
After spending last season on loan at Fulham, the attacker joined Tottenham on a free transfer earlier this summer, taking advantage of FIFA’s Annex 7 amendment.
The rule allows foreign players and coaches at Russian and Ukrainian clubs to unilaterally suspend their contracts until June 2024 – a measure taken in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Solomon’s contract with Shakhtar was to expire on December 31. However, the Annex 7 amendment enabled him to suspend his contract beyond its expiry, granting him the opportunity to join Spurs as a free agent.
This move has annoyed the top brass at Shakhtar, who now intend to discuss a transfer fee with Tottenham ahead of their upcoming friendly match in London.
Palkin highlighted the importance of the talks, stating (via Standard Sport): “Shakhtar invested significant money in the Solomon transfer, an investment that Ukrainian clubs, in our difficult position, simply cannot afford to lose.
“We hope to find a solution to the Manor Solomon issue that satisfies both sides.”
Shakhtar paid €6.5 million to secure Solomon’s signature from Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2019. They aim to recoup that amount to cover their losses.
Palkin clarified that the club isn’t looking for excessive profit but rather an amicable resolution – one that leaves all parties content.
The Annex 7 amendment initially had an expiration date of June 2022.
It was subsequently extended until June 2024. Shakhtar unsuccessfully contested the amendment in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Palkin has also had Annex 7 issues with Tete. Shakhtar plan to mount another legal challenge through the European Commission.
They argue that Annex 7 has already cost them £68m in lost transfer fees.
