Oumar Solet (foto: Getty Images)
Oumar Solet, one of RB Salzburg’s top defenders, unexpectedly became a free agent overnight. What led to this surprising contract termination, and where will he head next?
A bizarre situation has unfolded in Austria this morning involving Oumar Solet, a 24-year-old centre-back who has been one of the best and most valuable players at RB Salzburg. Solet , who had been with the club for four years, suddenly parted ways with the Red Bull team after terminating his contract by mutual agreement.
This comes as a shock, given Sole's profile and market value. Salzburg signed him from Lyon in July 2020 for €4.5 million, and his transfer value soared to as high as €17 million, with several English clubs, including Manchester United and West Ham, showing interest. However, after a potential transfer to Hoffenheim for €7 million (excluding bonuses) collapsed due to a failed medical exam, Solet 's future became uncertain.
Salzburg has now officially announced that Solet is no longer part of the team and wished him luck in his future endeavors. However, it remains unclear what exactly led to this decision. While Solet has been regularly training with the squad, the reasons behind the contract termination, which happened a year before it was set to expire, have not been fully explained.
Recent reports linked Sole with potential moves to Anderlecht and PAOK, as well as interest from Stuttgart earlier this summer. These discussions were focused on a January transfer, especially since Pep Lijnders seemingly did not count on the French-born defender of Central African Republic origin in Salzburg’s first matches of the new season.
Now, Solet is a free agent and can choose his next club immediately. The question remains: is this a "cat in the bag" scenario, considering he failed his medical at Hoffenheim, or was there simply a breakdown between the player and Salzburg, leading the club to release him? If it’s the latter, he could be a hidden gem on the market this fall, provided he is fit and healthy.
Solet was reportedly earning €24,000 per month in Mozart's city. Now, as a free agent, the 24-year-old defender (assuming he's in good physical condition) is likely to secure a much more lucrative contract at his next destination.