“Excellent” Tottenham outcast urged to join Premier League rivals in January

Richarlison, Manor Solomon. (Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)

Tottenham’s 2025/26 season has been the definition of a revival.

After last year’s chaotic campaign under Ange Postecoglou — where Spurs somehow won the Europa League but collapsed domestically, finishing a disastrous 17th — the arrival of Thomas Frank has transformed the club.

Spurs now look energised, organised and dangerous. The back line is firm, the midfield finally balanced, and the attack — even without a consistently fit striker — has been free-flowing, with the likes of Brennan Johnson and Mohamed Kudus thriving under the new system.

But with a new era comes casualties.

As Frank has rebuilt a settled first XI, several players have slipped down the pecking order. One of them is Manor Solomon, who was loaned out to Villarreal in search of minutes — but is now being pushed towards a Premier League return.

Reports in Spain claim that West Ham United are seriously exploring a January move for the Tottenham winger, whose stint at Villarreal has quickly turned sour.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, per West Ham World, Solomon is unhappy with his lack of playing time, feels unsettled, and has already asked Tottenham to consider terminating his loan early. Spurs are open to it if a suitable proposal arrives — and West Ham are positioning themselves as contenders.

In Israel, several pundits believe the January switch would be perfect for the 26-year-old.

Journalist Niv Dovrat (Sport1) explained why a move to the London Stadium could be ideal: “West Ham have a coach whose playing style – defensive football and going on outbursts – could be a great fit for Manor.

“I’ve spoken to people close to him in recent days; he doesn’t regret going to Villarreal because in the end, in life you take chances.”

Dovrat added that a Premier League return is realistic: “If things don’t improve drastically, it’s not impossible that he will return in January. A team like Leeds that he knows very well, like West Ham, like Burnley, who made inquiries about him in the summer.”

Former Atlético Madrid and Israel national team star Avi Nimni went a step further, insisting that Solomon – once described as “excellent” by Kevin De Bruyne – should seize the chance: “I wish he would go to West Ham. This is a team that is just perfect for him.”

From Tottenham’s standpoint, Solomon’s future appears increasingly likely to lie elsewhere. With Spurs thriving under Thomas Frank — and competition for attacking roles only intensifying — a January exit could suit all parties.

West Ham want more pace and creativity. Solomon wants Premier League football. Spurs want clarity over fringe players.

If Villarreal agree to release him, the winger may finally get the reset he has been searching for — and he has plenty of supporters urging him towards east London.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.