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Nottingham Forest have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window compared to their usual standards, with just seven first-team additions arriving at the City Ground.

The Reds infamously went crazy during the summer window of 2022, making over 20 new additions in a bid to remain competitive in their first Premier League campaign in over two decades.

However, the club are known for making frantic moves on deadline day, as demonstrated this time last year, making seven signings in one day – which included the club-record deal for midfielder Ibrahim Sangare.

It’s highly unlikely Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will replicate such numbers today, but there is a high likelihood that a variety of new players could arrive on Trentside.

One player in particular has caught the eye, with a deal potentially being completed before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Nottingham Forest in talks to sign Premier League star

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have placed James Ward-Prowse on their shortlist, with the transfer guru revealing late last night on a live stream (23mins:17secs) that talks are "ongoing" regarding a potential move to the East Midlands.

It’s unclear at this stage whether a move would be a loan move or a permanent one, but the 29-year-old is on the club’s radar.

The former Southampton ace could be brought in on a temporary basis, acting as cover for Danilo after it was confirmed that the Brazilian would be out until December at least after surgery on his ankle issue sustained against Bournemouth.

The Hammers ace would be an excellent addition to Nuno’s side, potentially becoming the Reds’ new version of a talent who has starred since his move to the City Ground.

Why Ward-Prowse could be Gibbs-White 2.0 for Forest

Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been a crucial player for Forest following his £25m move from Wolves during the summer of 2022.

Eyebrows were raised at the magnitude of the fee given his lack of impact in England’s top flight, however, the deal looks to be a superb one two years on, with the 24-year-old securing his first senior England call-up for the fixtures against Ireland and Finland next month.

He’s enjoyed a brilliant start to the new campaign, scoring the decisive goal in the 1-0 win against Southampton last weekend – securing a first win of the campaign for Nuno’s side.

With Ward-Prowse, the Reds have the opportunity to replicate a deal for Gibbs-White, with FBref ranking the duo as similar players based on their respective stats from last season.

When delving into their stats, the “unbelievable” West Ham ace, as described by former boss Ralph Hassenhuttl, matched Gibbs-White for combined goals and assists, despite featuring in a deeper role than the England international.

How Ward-Prowse & Gibbs-White compare in 2023/24

Statistics (per 90)

Ward-Prowse

Gibbs-White

Games played

38

37

Goals + assists

15

15

Progressive passes

4.5

4.8

Shot-on-target accuracy

39%

19%

Pass accuracy

83%

71%

Tackles won

1.3

1

Interceptions made

1.1

0.5

Stats via FBref

Whilst he managed slightly fewer progressive passes per 90, Ward-Prowse achieved a higher pass completion rate, winning more tackles – demonstrating his excellent qualities as a box-to-box midfielder.

However, arguably his biggest asset is his set-piece ability, with the 29-year-old scoring 17 direct free-kicks in the Premier League – the second most in history, just one behind the legendary David Beckham.

The Reds have struggled with their set-pieces in recent times, scoring the fourth-lowest number of goals from corners and free kicks last season – managing just seven over the course of the campaign.

If he were to move to the East Midlands, Ward-Prowse would be a superb addition and one that would further improve the options at Nuno’s disposal in the midfield department.

He could link up well with Gibbs-White, providing added ammunition for the attacking midfielder to further improve his sensational goal return from last season – whilst adding a different dimension in attacking areas with his ability to cause issues with his quality from a dead ball situation.

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Yorkshireman links up with white-ball squad in Cardiff ahead of series opener

Matt Roller19-Jun-2021

Jonny Bairstow was injured while playing for Yorkshire in the Vitality Blast•Getty Images

Jonny Bairstow has linked up with England’s white-ball squads in Cardiff as scheduled after a scan cleared him of a serious ankle injury.Bairstow suffered the injury while batting for Yorkshire on Wednesday night against Worcestershire, pulling up after running a single. He continued his innings with a runner, making 112 off 51 balls, but did not take the field, left the ground wearing a moon boot and left his coach, Andrew Gale, fearing he might have suffered ligament damage.But after undergoing a scan on Thursday, Bairstow has been cleared of serious injury, and travelled to Cardiff on Saturday as planned with the rest of the T20I squad ahead of the series against Sri Lanka, which starts on Wednesday.Related

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ESPNcricinfo understands that he is a doubt for the first T20I, but that the swelling has settled down and that England’s management are not majorly concerned. He has also been named in the ODI squad for the three-match World Cup Super League series which starts on June 29.Bairstow’s fitness is a significant boost for England following news of another serious injury to a fast bowler on Saturday, with Olly Stone, who is part of both their Test and limited-overs plans, ruled out for the rest of the English summer. Jofra Archer, Reece Topley and Saqib Mahmood are also missing the Sri Lanka white-ball series due to injuries.Ben Stokes, who has not played a competitive game since April 12, is due to make his return from a finger injury on Sunday, when Durham plays Birmingham Bears in the T20 Blast, and is targeting an England return during the T20I series against Pakistan from July 16.

Already looking to strengthen his attacking options in 2025, Ange Postecoglou now reportedly personally wants Tottenham Hotspur to sign one particular physical presence to partner Dominic Solanke up front.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites have started the season in inconsistent fashion on the results front, with one win, one draw and one loss summing up their difficulties. But the performances have been promising at times and the return of summer signing Solanke back from injury should at least provide Spurs with a welcome boost in North London.

Of course, up next is one of the biggest games of the Premier League calendar in the form of the North London derby. Spurs host an Arsenal side who enter proceedings with plenty of injury concerns, including club captain Martin Odegaard, in what is the perfect opportunity for the Lilywhites to bounce back from Newcastle United defeat in perfect fashion.

They’ve had injury concerns of their own, however. As mentioned, Solanke has been missing since the opening day and Spurs, as a result, have had their lack of attack depth exposed in a problem they’re already eyeing a solution for.

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According to reports in Spain, Postecoglou now personally wants to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a physical presence next to Solanke in his starting Spurs side. Calvert-Lewin – standing at 6 foot 2 and scoring another header on Saturday against Aston Villa – would certainly provide exactly that alongside crucial Premier League experience.

What’s more, the fact that the Everton forward will be out of contract next summer makes the deal one that Spurs would be wise to pursue, should they be given the opportunity. Even if the Englishman hasn’t been at his best in the last two seasons at Goodison Park, just having such a different option to partner and back Solanke up may well prove to make all the difference for Postecoglou and his side.

"Outstanding" Calvert-Lewin can partner Solanke

If Spurs sign Calvert-Lewin and get him back to his best then they’ll suddenly have two Premier League strikers capable of scoring double figures in goals a season. And in pursuit of a top four place, that would quickly prove to be crucial for Postecoglou.

Sean Dyche will be frustrated to see his forward leave if he does depart, however, having been full of praise for Calvert-Lewin last season, telling BBC Sport “I thought he was excellent. His physical performance was outstanding.

“I said to him after the match, ‘That is the sort of performance that gets you back around the England squad’. It is too early yet and I am not making any bold statement because Gareth Southgate has a lot of players to choose from, but certainly with that kind of performance he should be recognised as a top centre forward.”

The fact that it would likely be a free deal too, means that Spurs would not be running a great risk by signing Calvert-Lewin. All signs point towards a deal that the Lilywhites would be wise to pursue next summer, especially if Postecoglou does want a physical presence to partner big-money signing Solanke in North London.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians encerrou na manhã desta quarta-feira (24) a sua preparação para o confronto diante do Ceará, nesta quinta-feira (25), às 20h, no estádio do Castelão, em Fortaleza, pela 35ª rodada do Brasileirão.

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Vinte e quatro atletas viajarão ao nordeste brasileiro para a partida, mas um será cortado até do banco de reservas que permite presença máxima de 12 jogadores.

Entregues ao Departamento Médico, os meias Cantillo e Giuliano seguem fora e podem ser desfalques corintianos até o fim desta temporada. Ambos se recuperam de lesões musculares na coxa direita.

Quarto colocado no Campeonato Brasileiro, o Timão está em busca de uma vaga direta na fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores de 2022 e enfrenta um Ceará que não perde há três partidas e, com isso, se afastou da zona do rebaixamento, estando na nona posição.

Confira abaixo a lista de relacionados do Corinthians contra o Ceará:

Goleiros: Cássio, Guilherme e Matheus Donelli
Laterais: Fábio Santos, Fagner, João Pedro e Lucas Piton
Zagueiros: Gil, João Victor, Léo Santos e Raul Gustavo
Meias: Adson, Du Queiroz, Gabriel, Gabriel Pereira, Gustavo Mantuan, Luan, Renato Augusto, Vitinho, Willian e Xavier
Atacantes: Gustavo Mosquito, Jô e Róger Guedes

حقق فريق الرجال لكرة الطائرة بالنادي الأهلي الفوز على طلائع الجيش، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم الأحد، ضمن منافسات دوري الكرة الطائرة.

أقيمت المباراة على صالة حسن مصطفى، وشهدت منافسة قوية بين الفريقين، حيث فاز الأهلي في الشوط الأول 25-18، بينما تفوق طلائع الجيش في الشوط الثاني 26-24.

طالع.. اتحاد اليد يعلن عن مكان إقامة مباراتي كأس السوبر.. وموعد جديد لمواجهة السيدات

عاد فريق الأهلي ليتفوق في الشوط الثالث 25-14، ثم أنهى المباراة بفوز آخر في الشوط الرابع 25-18.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي «رجال طائرة الأهلي» مع فريق القناة يوم الثلاثاء المقبل في إطار منافسات الدوري.

Not all players are lucky enough to have a full career at the top of the game. Even those who possess the talent to remain at the top level into their late 30s have to overcome the lottery of staying fit – and for some, that has been a hurdle too far.

Raphael Varane recently had to retire from an illustrious career at the tender age of 31. His recent knee injury on debut for Italian side Como left the Frenchman with no choice but to say goodbye to professional football.

But he is by no means the last player to abruptly end their football career. Here are 10 others to do so.

Raphael Varane Retired: 2024, age 31

The former Real Madrid centre-back left Manchester United in the summer after helping guide the Red Devils to FA Cup glory in May. He leaves the beautiful game as a World Cup champion and four-time Champions League winner.

Varane started out at Lens before earning a move to Real Madrid at the age of 18. He would go on to become one of Los Blancos’ most inspired signings, winning the bulk of his career trophies at the Santiago Bernabeu.

United came calling in 2022 and the Frenchman brought along his trophy-winning abilities to Old Trafford, leaving the north-west with silverware in each of his two campaigns.

But soon after signing for Cesc Fabregas’ Como, a serious injury prematurely halted Varane’s career.

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Posts ByMark Marston Jul 3, 2023 André Schürrle Retired: 2020, age 29

Former Chelsea and Fulham winger André Schürrle shocked fans across the world as he announced his retirement from football at just 29.

The 57-cap Germany international, who won the World Cup with his nation in 2014, decided to call it quits on his career after Borussia Dortmund terminated his contract following an underwhelming loan spell with Spartak Moscow.

Schürrle explained that his time under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea left his self-esteem in tatters and he often struggled to deal with the pressures placed on him.

Following his retirement in 2020, the German admitted that the “depths became deeper and deeper, and the highs less and less” whilst also citing loneliness as a reason for his decision.

Brian Laudrup Retired: 2000, age 31

Brian Laudrup was a marvellous footballer, but he was persistently plagued by injury. Notwithstanding that, he still produced countless moments of magic and is considered one of the most talented players of his generation.

The Dane, who won the European Championship in 1992, racked up 15 goals and 13 assists for Ajax in his final season, which is a remarkable return for a player who retired that summer.

His chronic Achilles tendon injury was the catalyst for the decision to end his career, as he was told surgery wouldn’t guarantee a solution to the problem.

Hidetoshi Nakata Retired: 2006, age 29

Fans were left stunned when Japan international Hidetoshi Nakata announced his retirement at the age of 29.

He’d just played every minute of the 2006 World Cup group stages, and yet, he decided to hang up his boots with a year remaining on his contract at Fiorentina.

The former Roma midfielder admitted he’d lost his love for the game: “Day after day, I realised that football had just become a big business.

“I could feel that the team were playing just for money and not for the sake of having fun. I always felt that a team was like a big family, but it stopped being like that. I was sad, that’s why I stopped at only 29.”

Patrick Kluivert Retired: 2008, age 32

Patrick Kluivert emerged as one of Europe’s best forwards during the 1990s. The Dutchman enjoyed a goal-littered three-year spell at Ajax, which prompted Serie A giants Milan to sign him in 1997.

But after just one year in Italy, he made the move to Barcelona, where he continued to display his prolific powers, netting 122 times in 257 outings for the Catalan club.

Kluivert’s career began to peter out after departing Barca in 2004, spending brief spells with Newcastle United, Valencia, PSV and Lille before announcing his retirement in 2008.

Jack Wilshere Retired: 2022, age 30

When Jack Wilshere produced that magical display against Pep Guardiola’s relentless Barcelona side in 2011 as a baby-faced teen, many tipped the left-footed midfielder to become one of England’s greatest-ever players. Unfortunately, he failed to fulfil those initial expectations – largely due to injuries.

His early promise was certainly fulfilled to some degree, as he went on to represent England 34 times whilst making just shy of 200 appearances for Arsenal, winning two FA Cups.

But he continued to be plagued by unrelenting injuries throughout his career and decided to step away from the professional game aged 30. He has since taken up a coaching role for the Gunners’ under-18s.

“In truth, it has been difficult to accept that my career has been slipping away in recent times due to reasons outside of my control whilst feeling that I have still had so much to give,” Wilshere said in a statement in 2022.

“However, having had time to reflect and talk with those closest with me, I know that now is the right time and, despite the difficult moments, I look back on my career with great pride at what I have achieved.”

Marco van Basten Retired: 1995, age 30

The Dutch forward is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time after a prolific 301-goal career, which saw him collect three Ballons d’Or.

Sadly though, he played his final game of professional football at the age of 28 due to an ankle injury, which forced him to hang up his boots two years later after failing to recover from surgery.

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The Dutchman’s farewell from football was emotional, as he waved goodbye to the 80,000 Milan fans present at the San Siro in August 1995, with even manager Fabio Capello in tears.

In his autobiography, ‘Basta: My Life, My Truth’, he wrote: “Suddenly it hit me. As clear as day. It struck home. In front of the 80,000. I was witnessing my own farewell. Marco van Basten, footballer, was no more. You were watching someone who had ceased to be. You were clapping for someone who no longer existed. I ran and I clapped, but I was no longer there.”

Eden Hazard Retired: 2023, age 32

Eden Hazard announced his retirement from professional football this week, ending a glittering career which saw him reach heights very few players can achieve.

However, his sudden decline was totally unexpected by many, and left fans wondering what had happened. Well, injuries indeed played a factor, but some voices within the media have suggested his mentality, particularly in Madrid, was to blame.

The Belgian’s first pre-season at Los Blancos saw him arrive a reported seven kilos ‘overweight’ – and that was said to cause friction between him and president Florentino Perez.

It wasn’t his first time struggling with weight upon returning to pre-season – he had a similar instance in 2015 with Chelsea and appeared a shadow of his former self that year.

Whether his sharp drop-off was inflicted by injuries or commitment, it’s all speculation, so perhaps we should centre our focus and admiration around the magical moments he delivered for much of his career.

Gareth Bale Retired: 2023, age 33

Gareth Bale will no doubt go down as one of Wales’ best-ever players. The left-footed wizard lit up the Premier League during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, winning the PFA Player of the Year award twice and creating a highlight reel of outrageous long-distance strikes in the process.

A record-breaking £85.3m move to Real Madrid beckoned in 2013, which saw the Southampton youth product become the most expensive footballer of all time, eclipsing Cristiano Ronaldo’s £80m transfer.

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His nine-year stay in Spain’s capital saw him score over a century of goals across 258 appearances and win every trophy on offer, including a remarkable five Champions League titles.

At the age of 33, Bale announced his retirement from football, and there’s little doubt he could’ve continued to play at the highest level had he wanted to, but perhaps his drive for the game had dwindled too far.

The final few years of his Madrid career saw him booed by his own fans at times, which by his own admission, affected his confidence.

MatériaMais Notícias

Considerado uma das boas surpresas da temporada 2021, o Red Bull Bragantino está em queda livre na reta final do ano.

+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

Após a derrota na final da Copa Sul-Americana, o time comandado por Mauricio Barbieri sentiu o golpe e parece sem poder de reação.

O último ato foi contra o Juventude, quando o time que briga contra o rebaixamento mostrou mais força dentro das quatro linhas e bateu o Massa Bruta.

Vale citar, que antes mesmo do revés contra o Athletico em Montevidéu, o Bragantino havia perdido do Grêmio, o que faz o jejum de vitórias alcançar quatro partidas.

Calendário

A chance de acabar com a má fase é no próximo domingo, quando o Bragantino encara o Atlético-MG, no Mineirão.

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أشاد لاعب وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، جود بيلينجهام، بزميليه كيليان مبابي ورودريجو بعد تألقهما في مباراة مانشستر سيتي في ملحق دور الـ 16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ونجح ريال مدريد في تكرار الفوز من جديد على مانشستر سيتي بنتيجة 3-1 يوم أمس الأربعاء، في ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” والتأهل المباشر إلى دور الـ 16 في انتظار القرعة يوم غد الجمعة.

اقرأ أيضًا | أنشيلوتي: مبابي قادر على الوصول إلى أرقام رونالدو.. ومانشستر سيتي يخسر الكثير في غياب هالاند

وقال بيلينجهام بعد نهاية المباراة عبر شبكة “TNT Sport”: “ندخل المباريات ونعلم أن مبابي سيشكل خطورة كبيرة للمنافس، لذلك نحن ندعمه ونسانده في مراكزنا”.

واستمر: “عندما يستحوذ مبابي على الكرة في المناطق الهجومية يكون خطيرًا للغاية، لقد رأينا جميعًا الأهداف المختلفة التي سجلها، أمر لا يصدق ما يفعله، أعلم أن بدايته لم تكن مثالية معنا لكنه الآن، يطير في السماء”.

وتابع: “كانت ليلة رائعة بالنسبة لنا في ريال مدريد، مباراة استمتعت بها حقًا، كان أهم شيء بالنسبة لنا هو الجزاء الدفاعي، كنا نعلم أنه إذا نجحنا في منع مانشستر سيتي من تشكيل الخطورة يمكننا الهجوم أكثر، وهذا هو المفتاح، لقد عانوا من الكثير من الإصابات ولكننا أيضًا كنا كذلك”.

وعن القرعة وإمكانية مواجهة أتلتيكو مدريد أو باير ليفركوزن: “ستكون مباراة الديربي مثيرة للاهتمام، جولتين من نوع خاص، إذا لعبنا كما فعلنا الليلة، فستكون لدينا فرصة قوية ضد كل الفرق”.

وفي مقابلة مع شبكة “CBS” الأمريكية مع تييري هنري، قال الفرنسي: “هل يمكنك التحدث عن رودريجو لأن لا أحد يتحدث عنه؟”.

وأجاب بيلينجهام: “رودريجو غير مقدر بشكل كبير، بالنسبة لي هو اللاعب الأكثر موهبة في ريال مدريد، أسأل نفسي دائمًا كيف يفعل ما يفعله من مهارات؟ كاحلي كان لينهار إذا قمت بذلك”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “رودريجو هو اللاعب الذي يضحي أكثر من غيره ولا يشتكي، بل يجتهد ويساهم بقوة من أجل الفريق، رغم أن مركز المفضل هو الجناح الأيسر ولكنه يشارك في اليمين ولديه مهام دفاعية يجيدها أيضًا”.

“When we get into such good positions, we have to get them by the throat and we have to finish them off”

Mohammad Isam11-Jul-2021

Donald Tiripano – “I am happy to embrace it if given the chance to bat up the order”•Abu Dhabi Cricket

Donald Tiripano has said that he is ready to take up the challenge of batting higher up the order, after he frustrated Bangladesh with a 144-ball 52 coming in at No.5 in the one-off Test.While Bangladesh were always on course for victory, Tiripano managed to stall the visitors for most of the final day, and it was eventually a poor umpiring decision that ended his stay at the crease. Ebadot Hossain got the ball to jag back enough, but the replays clearly showed that there was daylight between bat and ball, before Liton Das collected the ball. Tiripano, however, felt the game swung decisively on the first day when Zimbabwe failed to get their opponents “by the throat and finish them off”.Related

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“It is a challenge that I am willing to take. I am happy to embrace it if given the chance to bat up the order. I like being challenged. I enjoy pressure,” he said.The pressure on the fifth day was unrelenting for Zimbabwe, particularly after they lost four wickets in 19 balls just after the first drinks break. Dion Myers, Timycen Maruma, Roy Kaia and Regis Chakabva all departed, leaving Tiripano alone with a long tail.He managed the pressure quite well though, ensuring Bangladesh needed more than 30 overs to dislodge the last three wickets. Tiripano struck six fours during his stay, couple of them driven through the covers and midwicket, and one from a reverse sweep. This was his second Test fifty, both coming this year.Tiripano, however, was disappointed Zimbabwe couldn’t put up a higher score in the first innings.”It is unfortunate that we couldn’t get a good total in the first innings. There are a lot of positives that came out from this game. Guys tried to score some runs and build partnerships by putting their head down. But we should work hard on our batting and make sure that we don’t play catch up cricket in a Test match.”He also rued Zimbabwe letting Bangladesh off the hook on the first afternoon when the visitors were 132 for 6 at one stage.”We started well in the first morning. The wicket was doing a bit. After taking six wickets, we let them off. Mahmudullah and Liton Das put together a partnership.”I think we have to make sure that when we get into such positions, we have to get them by the throat and we have to finish them off.”Tiripano was all praise for the two debutants Kaitano and Myers.”They are exciting guys. Kaitano is very talented. Everyone has seen what he can do. Dion also showed glimpses of how great a batter he is going to be for Zimbabwe. The future looks bright with these guys.”

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke endured a difficult summer that was full of speculation over his best players before the transfer window slammed shut.

The German head coach had to deal with the rumours and then had to contend with some of his key stars moving on from Elland Road, as Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter, and Glen Kamara were all sold.

All four of those players started at least 36 Championship matches for the club during the 2023/24 campaign, which speaks to their importance to the side last term.

The former Norwich City boss was, however, allowed to dip into the market to bolster his squad with new recruits, and brought in the likes of Joe Rodon, Isaac Schmidt, Largie Ramazani, Alex Cairns, Jayden Bogle, and Manor Solomon, among others.

Farke seemingly identified the central midfield area as one that needed to be strengthened, as the club brought in Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell in that position, after Kamara was sold to Rennes.

The Leeds boss now has a plethora of midfield options to choose from each week and has strong competition for places in that area of the pitch.

Leeds United's current midfield options

Captain Ethan Ampadu and Bulgaria international Ilia Gruev were selected to play in the middle of the park in the 1-0 defeat to Burnley last time out.

Meanwhile, summer signings Tanaka and Rothwell were forced to wait on the bench before coming on during the second half in an attempt to change the game.

Ampadu has started all 54 of the Championship games, including the play-offs, of Farke’s reign so far, which suggests that his place in the starting XI is not in danger any time soon, and it could be between Gruev, Tanaka, and Rothwell to play alongside the Wales international.

Leeds midfielders

Market value

Ethan Ampadu

£13.5m

Ilia Gruev

£4.2m

Ao Tanaka

£3.4m

Joe Rothwell

£2.1m

Values via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the former Chelsea man is the most valuable central midfielder in the squad, by some distance, and Rothwell, who is on loan from Bournemouth, is the least valuable.

Leeds sold Kamara to Rennes for a reported fee of £8.4m in the summer, which would make him the second most valuable in that group, and the Whites will be hoping that they do not live to regret that sale.

One expensive sale of a central midfielder that Leeds will certainly not regret is Ronaldo Vieira, whose value has plummeted since he moved on from Elland Road in 2018.

How much Leeds sold Ronaldo Vieira for

In the summer of 2018, former sporting director Victor Orta opted to cash in on the young ace for a reported fee of £7m ahead of Marcelo Bielsa’s first season with the club.

He came up through the youth ranks with the Whites, after joining from the i2i Football Academy in 2015, and emerged as a regular first-team operator in the 2016/17 campaign.

Vieira showed plenty of promise in that breakthrough season in the Championship, as he showcased his ability on the ball and his combative nature in the middle of the park.

The teenage starlet, who was dubbed “bombastic” by ex-coach Simon Collins, completed 81% of his attempted passes and made an eye-catching 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game across 34 appearances and 24 starts in the division.

His combative qualities in midfield were on show again in the 2017/18 campaign, with 3.5 tackles and interceptions per match in 28 outings in the Championship.

2017/18 Championship

Ronaldo Vieira

Appearances

28

Assists

2

Pass accuracy

79%

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.5

Ground duel success rate

47%

Aerial duel success rate

40%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Vieira did not provide much in the way of quality as a creator of goals and his pass completion rate went down in comparison to his first full season in the league.

His duel success rates also show that opposition players found it too easy to get the better of him at times, as he lost the majority of his battles.

Orta then opted to cash in on the 20-year-old England U21 international at the end of that season, after Sampdoria came to the table with an offer of £7m.

Orta struck gold for Leeds

The Leeds sporting director struck gold for the club with that deal because Vieira has struggled since moving to Italy and away from Elland Road.

At the time of writing (18/09/2024), Transfermarkt places his current market value at a staggeringly low €1m (£843k), which is considerably

lower than any of the aforementioned Leeds midfielders.

It is also a stunning fall from the £7m that Sampdoria paid to secure his services back in 2018, when the central midfielder was 20 and seemingly on the rise.

Now 26, Vieira’s career has not gone to plan, as shown by his plummeting market value, and Leeds will look back on the £7m they gained from his sale as a blinder of a deal for them.

The English midfielder has only played 94 matches for Sampdoria in all competitions since his move in 2018, with loan spells at Torino and Hellas Verona in the 2022/23 and 2020/21 campaigns respectively.

He racked up 77 appearances in the Serie A for those three clubs combined and is currently playing in the Serie B for Sampdoria, where he featured in 13 league matches last term.

24/25 Serie B

Ronaldo Vieira

Appearances

3

Starts

1

Sofascore rating

5.73

Pass accuracy

69%

Duel success rate

33%

Error led to goal

1

As you can see in the table above, Vieira has played in three of the club’s second division games in the current season and has struggled badly.

The 26-year-old dud has been sloppy in possession, with a pass accuracy of 69%, and has been dominated in physical duels, whilst also making one error that directly led to a goal.

Overall, his time at Sampdoria has been disappointing as his value has plummeted and he has failed to nail down a regular place in the side, which is why Leeds struck gold by selling him for £7m.

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Posts ByDan Emery Sep 17, 2024