Villarreal completed a last-minute loan deal for 26-year-old Israel international Manor Solomon from Tottenham on transfer deadline day. Some fans posted criticism on social media because Solomon has publicly expressed support for Israel amid the Gaza war. Solomon played last season on loan at Leeds United and previously represented Fulham and Shakhtar Donetsk. The move follows similar backlash in Germany that scuppered Fortuna Dusseldorf’s pursuit of Israel striker Shon Weissman over inflammatory social media posts. Villarreal spent over €100 million in the window while earning significant fees from several outgoing players as it returns to the Champions League.
The 26-year-old Solomon arrived after Villarreal struck a loan deal with Tottenham. The Israel international played last season on loan with Leeds United, which he helped gain promotion to the Premier League. Solomon had already been criticised by some fans in England after posting messages in support of Israel in the war. He has previously played for Fulham and the Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.
Bundesliga 2 side Fortuna Dusseldorf last month pulled out of signing Israel striker Shon Weissman after fan anger about his social media posts about the Gaza war. The 29-year-old, who has 33 international caps, made several social media posts after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel that set off the Gaza war. German newspaper Bild reported at the time that Weissman called for Israel to wipe Gaza off the map and to drop 200 tons of bombs on it.
Solomon's signing capped a busy transfer window for Villarreal, which is returning to the Champions League this season. The club from eastern Spain spent more than 100 million euros ($116m) in signings, the third highest amount in Spain, according to the Transfermarkt website. It earned nearly as much with the sales of playmaker Alex Baena to Atletico Madrid, forward Yeremy Pino to Crystal Palace and striker Thierno Barry to Everton.
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