Leeds United have been told the lure of Champions League football is reportedly what convinced Manor Solomon to join Villarreal on loan this season instead of returning to Elland Road.
It was no secret over the summer that the Whites explored the possibility of signing Solomon permanently after his successful season-long loan at Elland Road. The 26-year-old scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists during Leeds’ Championship-winning campaign.
On his return to Tottenham Hotspur, now under new boss Thomas Frank, Solomon’s place in the squad was unclear. The Israeli international wanted regular game time upon returning to Spurs, but it wasn't a guarantee under their new head coach.
Leeds were heavily linked with Solomon throughout the window, with competition from Crystal Palaces for his services. However, earlier this week it was confirmed that Solomon would spend the year on loan at Spanish side Villarreal.
"There’s always competition for these players’ signatures," transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider. "[With] Manor Solomon, Palace tried to sign him but he’s gone to Villarreal, he’s got Champions League football – Leeds can’t offer that right now.
"Obviously, Palace had money in their pockets to spend following the sale of Eberechi Eze, and the chance of European football as well.
"There’s no regrets from Daniel Farke – he will now move on and work with what he’s got, to try and ensure that Leeds are well-placed come the January window."
For now, Farke’s priority is to keep Leeds in the Premier League having have collected four points from their opening three league fixtures and will travel to Fulham once the international break is over.
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