By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham have officially announced the signing of Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur, giving Nuno Espírito Santo a much-needed left winger ahead of this weekend’s Championship opener against Burnley.
The Hammers have landed the 27-year-old for an initial £5million, with another £2million in potential add-ons should West Ham secure promotion. Solomon has agreed a three-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend his stay until 2030.
West Ham confirmed the signing on the club’s official website, with Solomon revealing that conversations with Nuno and recruitment director Nils Koppen played a significant role in convincing him to move to the London Stadium.
“I’ve spoken both with the manager and with Nils. They showed me the project, what they want to build there. Of course, our first task is to get promoted, to go back to the Premier League. I really like all the ideas and everything they have presented for me.
“I’ll try to give my all in the first season and then in the seasons ahead. I want to be here for a long time and I want to make the fans really happy.”
Square Peg For A Square Hole
Hopefully, the deal has been completed in time for Nuno to start Solomon on the left against Burnley.
Despite Saturday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Portsmouth, West Ham’s squad looked horribly lopsided.
Mohamadou Kanté was shoehorned into a left-sided midfield position, while striker Pablo continually pulled towards that flank in an attempt to provide some semblance of balance.
Now, at least, West Ham have found a square peg for a square hole.
Solomon predominantly operates as an inverted left winger and arrives as the obvious candidate to replace Crysencio Summerville.
Solomon should start on the wing against Burnley
As we covered at the weekend on Claret & Hugh, Solomon is a tricky, direct-running winger who should provide some much-needed pace to the Hammers attack.
That’s important because, whilst West Ham scored three times against Portsmouth, there were still long periods when the team lacked the ability to stretch the opposition back line.
Solomon certainly knows the Championship too, having produced 10 goals and 12 assists in 39 league appearances during his previous loan spell at Leeds United.
Hopefully The First Of Many
At £5million plus £2million in promotion-related add-ons, this looks like sensible business.
Perhaps more encouragingly, Solomon’s comments suggest Nuno and Koppen have been able to sell him a longer-term vision rather than simply convincing him to drop into the Championship for a season.
He clearly sees himself being part of West Ham beyond a promotion campaign.
The Hammers still need reinforcements, of course, particularly with the club continuing their pursuit of AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott.
But at least one glaring hole in Nuno’s starting XI has now been filled.
Solomon is through the door.
Hopefully he’s the first of many this week.