Manor Solomon’s Surprise at Leeds: The Unbelievable Passion of the Fans
When Manor Solomon joined Leeds United on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2024, he thought he knew what to expect. The Israeli winger, with his experience in the Premier League and stints at clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk and Fulham, was no stranger to high-pressure environments. But in a recent interview, Solomon admitted there was one thing about his move to Leeds that completely caught him off guard: the sheer intensity and passion of the Leeds United fanbase. “If you’d told me how crazy it is, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he said.
Solomon’s arrival at Leeds came at a time when the club was looking to bolster its attacking options for another push at Premier League promotion. After a playoff disappointment in the 2023/24 season, manager Daniel Farke was keen to add flair and creativity to his squad. Solomon, with his quick feet, vision, and ability to unlock defenses, seemed a perfect fit. However, the 25-year-old admitted he underestimated the weight of playing for a club like Leeds.
“I knew Leeds was a big club with a lot of history,” Solomon told a local radio station. “But the fans? That’s something else. The way they live and breathe this club—it’s not something you can prepare for. It’s like they’re on the pitch with you.”
Leeds United’s supporters are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and vocal presence, particularly at Elland Road. The stadium, often described as a cauldron of noise, has been a fortress for the club in the Championship. For Solomon, who had played in front of sizable crowds at Tottenham and during European nights with Shakhtar, the Leeds atmosphere was still a shock.
“The first time I played at Elland Road, I got chills,” he recalled. “It wasn’t just the noise—it was the feeling. You can tell these fans have been through everything with the club, the highs and the lows, and they still give everything. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Solomon’s comments echo those of many players who have donned the white shirt. The Leeds fanbase, often referred to as the “12th man,” has a reputation for creating an intimidating environment for opponents while lifting their own players to new heights. This season, with Leeds pushing for automatic promotion, the supporters have been in fine voice, and Solomon has quickly become a fan favorite for his dynamic performances on the wing.
On the pitch, Solomon has shown glimpses of the quality that made him a standout at Fulham during his loan spell in the 2022/23 season. Despite a slow start due to fitness issues, he has begun to find his rhythm, contributing goals and assists in Leeds’ high-octane attacking system. Off the pitch, he’s embraced the city and its culture, often spotted interacting with fans and soaking up the community spirit.
“I love how connected everyone is here,” Solomon said. “The fans stop you in the street, not just to ask for a photo, but to talk about the game, the tactics, what we can do better. They know their football, and they care so much. It makes you want to give everything for them.”
