Tottenham should match Chelsea and strike 'behind-the-scenes' agreement - Ex-CEO

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness says Tottenham should settle their compensation dispute with Shakhtar Donetsk over Manor Solomon with a behind-the-scenes agreement to avoid PR damage.

Keith Wyness, former Everton chief executive, has urged Tottenham to resolve their compensation dispute with Shakhtar Donetsk over Manor Solomon by striking a private settlement. Shakhtar's CEO is pushing for payment after Spurs signed Solomon on a free transfer in 2023 when FIFA allowed players to cancel Ukrainian club contracts due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Solomon made just six competitive appearances for Tottenham before being sold to West Ham for £5million this summer.

Wyness believes Tottenham should follow Chelsea's example of goodwill gestures toward Shakhtar, such as allowing them to play Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge. He warned that failing to reach an amicable agreement could damage Spurs' reputation, describing the situation as taking advantage of a wartime scenario. "It's a small amount of money we're talking about," Wyness said, urging the club to "nip it in the bud right now" before the dispute escalates.