Shakhtar Donetsk are preparing to reopen discussions with Tottenham Hotspur over potential compensation following Manor Solomon's recent £5 million transfer to West Ham United, according to club executive Sergei Palkin.
The Israeli winger left Shakhtar for Spurs in 2023 on a free transfer after his contract expired, a move that came during the ongoing war in Ukraine which had disrupted the club's football operations. Despite the free transfer, Palkin revealed that an informal understanding had been reached between the two clubs at the time regarding any future sale of the player.
According to Palkin, Shakhtar and Tottenham had engaged in talks when Solomon first arrived in north London, with an agreement made that Spurs would pass on a portion of any subsequent transfer fee to the Ukrainian side should they decide to sell him on.
"We had arguments and discussions with Tottenham," Palkin explained. "Verbally, we agreed that when they sell the player, they will pay us part of the sale. Now we will come to them officially with our suggestions and our view of the situation."
Solomon's switch to West Ham this past summer has now triggered that informal arrangement, prompting Shakhtar to formally approach Tottenham with their claim for a share of the proceeds. Palkin indicated that the Ukrainian outfit intend to present their position through official channels in the near future.
While expressing a preference for an amicable resolution, Palkin did not rule out escalating the matter should negotiations with Spurs break down. He suggested that Shakhtar would be prepared to involve external parties, including football's governing bodies, if necessary.
"If we have problems in these discussions and negotiations, we will go to some intermediaries," Palkin said, leaving open the possibility of referring the dispute to the European Club Association or even the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) should talks stall.
However, Palkin was keen to stress that Shakhtar's preferred route remains a straightforward agreement between the two clubs, rather than a prolonged legal battle. "If they are friendly and we agree, then this issue is closed. It's better to do it in a friendly way," he added.
The case highlights the complicated financial arrangements that can arise when players depart clubs on free transfers under unusual circumstances, particularly for sides like Shakhtar who have had to sell or lose players due to the disruption caused by conflict in their home country. Shakhtar have previously been vocal about seeking financial recognition in similar situations involving players who left the club without a transfer fee being paid upfront.
Solomon's spell at Tottenham yielded limited game time before his departure to West Ham this summer for a reported £5 million fee, a transfer that has evidently reignited Shakhtar's interest in securing what they view as a fair share of any future profit generated from a player who developed through their ranks.
Tottenham have yet to respond publicly to Shakhtar's claims, with the north London club contacted for comment on the matter. It remains to be seen how the Premier League side will respond to the Ukrainian club's official approach, and whether the dispute can be settled through direct negotiation or will require intervention from football's governing bodies.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.