Tottenham call for major transfer rule change after being left ‘fuming’ by Crystal Palace snub in summer window
Tottenham pushing for Premier League transfer rule change after deadline day drama
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly urging the Premier League to revisit and revise one of its long-standing transfer rules following a frustrating experience during the summer window. The North London club were left “fuming” after a deal to loan winger Manor Solomon to Crystal Palace collapsed in dramatic fashion on deadline day — despite an agreement appearing to be in place.
Spurs frustrated by Palace U-turn
For much of deadline day, it looked as though Solomon would be heading across London to Selhurst Park in search of more regular first-team minutes. Palace had even gone as far as submitting a deal sheet — a mechanism that allows clubs additional time beyond the official deadline to complete paperwork on transfers.
However, in a late twist, Palace decided to back out of the move, despite having already committed to the deal sheet process. The reversal came as a major blow to Spurs, who had expected the deal to be finalised. According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham officials were incensed by the late withdrawal, arguing that the current system allows too much flexibility and undermines trust between clubs.
The Lilywhites are now believed to be lobbying the Premier League to make deal sheets legally binding, preventing clubs from reneging once the document has been signed. In their view, this would protect clubs from being left in limbo and avoid unnecessary disruption in the frantic final hours of the window.
Palace’s dramatic deadline day
It was not just Solomon’s move that added to the drama at Selhurst Park. Palace also saw defender Marc Guehi’s proposed transfer to Liverpool collapse at the last minute, adding further chaos to their day of negotiations. While Guehi ultimately stayed, their withdrawal from the Solomon deal created fresh tension between the Eagles and Spurs.
Villarreal swoop in late
Despite the breakdown of the Palace switch, Solomon did not remain stuck at Tottenham. Fortunately for the Israel international, the Spanish transfer window remained open four hours longer than England’s, giving La Liga side Villarreal a crucial opportunity to step in.
The Yellow Submarine acted quickly, sealing a season-long loan deal that saw Solomon swap North London for Spain. Villarreal were keen to add more depth to their attacking options, and the winger’s availability at the eleventh hour suited all parties.
A swift reunion in Europe
Remarkably, Solomon was back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium just days later — this time wearing Villarreal colours. He travelled with the Spanish side for their Champions League group stage clash against Spurs, though he remained on the bench throughout the game.
Tottenham came out on top in a tight contest, edging past Villarreal 1-0 thanks to an early own goal from Luiz Junior. While Solomon did not feature, his presence on the opposing bench highlighted the rapid turnaround in his career fortunes following the deadline-day chaos.
The bigger picture
For Tottenham, the incident has sparked a wider debate about how transfers are handled in English football. With deal sheets currently functioning as a “gentleman’s agreement” rather than a binding contract, Spurs believe there is too much room for clubs to backtrack.
Should the Premier League adopt Spurs’ proposal, it could fundamentally change the way clubs operate in the final hours of the transfer window — bringing more certainty, but also potentially reducing flexibility for clubs reassessing deals under pressure.
For now, Spurs have moved on, but the frustration over Solomon’s failed Palace switch could leave a lasting legacy in shaping future transfer regulations.