Everton have a battle on their hands to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon.
What’s the word?
That is according to Italian news outlet Tutto Mercato, who report that Everton are interested in signing the 22-year-old, along with Arsenal, Southampton, Aston Villa, and Brighton.
The conflict in Ukraine has led to the Ukrainian Premier League being terminated for the year. With Shakhtar’s season cut short, their stars have been leaving the club in search of football.
Tete has already joined Lyon, and the Israel international is also looking to leave the Donbass club.
The Toffees will need to be quick though, as Tutto Mercato also report that both Fulham and Italian outfit Torino have submitted bids of 9m euros (£7.7m).
Don’t repeat Bernard mistake
Even in an interrupted season, the 5 foot 7 wide man has shown that he can shine at elite levels, leading the way at his club in the Champions League for key passes per game, and is third in dribbles, as per WhoScored.
He also brings experience that not many his age can offer, having made over 100 appearances for Shakhtar, as well as 28 caps for his country.
The £16.2m-rated ace also has been praised by former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who called him “professional”.
“There are no players like him who can easily pass players. He’s getting better all the time, [he’s] a professional guy.”
However, Everton must be careful that Solomon does not turn into another Bernard, who made the move from Donetsk to Merseyside in 2018.
The Brazil international made 73 league appearances for the Toffees in the three seasons he was at the club, but only scored five goals and made five assists.
In his final campaign, 2020-21, his WhoScored league rating of 6.41 was the lowest in the team out of everyone who featured more than ten times.
The 29-year-old also received criticism from journalist Gavin Buckland, who denounced him as “lightweight”.
“He’s far too lightweight.
“He has his moments of excellence, as we well know, but whether he’d be somebody you’d hang your hat on to produce good performances week in [and] week out is open to question.”
When you bring someone from a league less challenging than the Premier League, you have to be certain they can make the adjustment. Everton cannot say that about Solomon, so this is one transfer they should avoid.
Frank Lampard must learn from the club’s past mistakes.
AND in other news, Everton can seal huge Keane upgrade in swoop for “faultless” £15.3m-rated colossus…