West Ham United has signed Israeli winger Manor Solomon, 27, from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal reportedly worth an initial 5 million pounds ($6.75m), potentially rising to 7 million pounds ($9.45m), with the club, which was relegated from the Premier League, stating that promotion is its 'unquestionable goal'.
West Ham signs Israeli winger Manor Solomon amid online backlash over his pro-Israel posts
West Ham United has signed Israeli winger Manor Solomon, 27, from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal reportedly worth an initial 5 million pounds ($6.75m), potentially rising to 7 million pounds ($9.45m), with the club, which was relegated from the Premier League, stating that promotion is its 'unquestionable goal'.
Solomon won two Ukrainian league titles with Shakhtar Donetsk and scored against Real Madrid in the Champions League. He subsequently scored in four consecutive Premier League games for Fulham before helping Leeds United win the Championship in the 2024-25 season, contributing 10 goals and 12 assists in 39 league appearances.
His signing has drawn an online backlash linked to statements he made on social media regarding the conflict in Gaza. Weeks after the October 2023 attacks by Palestinian groups, Solomon wrote on Instagram that 'Israel has the right to defend itself' and urged followers to 'Pray for Israel'. During the conflict, he shared a post accusing Palestinian groups of 'killing their own people and blaming Israel'. In response to the viral 'All Eyes on Rafah' trend, he posted, 'Where were your eyes on October 7?' He has also spoken publicly about campaigning for Israeli captives and explaining Israel's position to teammates.
A comparable backlash occurred in September 2025 when Solomon joined Villarreal, with pro-Palestine accounts posting boycott calls and messages declaring him unwelcome. Palestinian flags were displayed and Solomon was jeered during Villarreal's visit to Sevilla.
West Ham's social media posts featuring Solomon have drawn replies including 'Free Palestine' from some users and Israeli flag icons from others in expressions of support.
Solomon's military background has also featured in criticism directed at him. In 2018, Israeli outlet Walla Sport reported that he undertook basic military training while playing professionally, before receiving elite-athlete status and lighter conditions that allowed him to pursue a move abroad. The Guardian has described him as having 'served in the Israeli army.' The source states there is no evidence he served in a combat role or personally participated in alleged abuses.
Earlier in 2026, Solomon accused a Moroccan teammate of refusing to shake his hand and said he felt isolated in the locker room. During his season at Leeds United, the club condemned a supporter chant that included the line that Solomon 'hates Palestine' and warned fans of bans.
According to the Palestine Football Association, 1,007 members of Gaza's sporting community had been killed by February 12, 2026, including 565 in football, while 265 facilities had been damaged.
- The source does not state the precise fee structure or the conditions under which the reported fee could rise to 7 million pounds.
- The source does not state Solomon's or his representatives' response to the backlash surrounding his signing by West Ham, noting only that his representatives had not responded to Al Jazeera's request for comment at the time of publication.
- The source does not identify the Moroccan teammate Solomon accused of refusing to shake his hand.
- The source does not state when or in what context Solomon spoke publicly about campaigning for Israeli captives and explaining Israel's position to teammates.
- The source does not specify the length or terms of Solomon's contract with West Ham.
- The source does not state the Palestine Football Association's methodology for compiling its casualty and damage figures.
Read the original at Al Jazeera English