رد نادي المغرب الفاسي المنافس في بطولة الدوري المغربي على أنباء رغبة الأهلي في ضم مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، محسن بوريكة، في الميركاتو الصيفي المقبل.
ليس بجديد اهتمام الأندية المصرية بضم اللاعبين المغاربة خاصة من الأهلي والزمالك بجانب بيراميدز حيث يتواجد لاعبون مثل رضا سليم، وليد الكرتي ومحمد الشيبي، وربما نرى المزيد في المستقبل.
ويعد بوريكة أحد أهم المواهب في الدوري المغربي هذا الموسم حيث يتصدر جدول ترتيب الهدافين حتى الآن برصيد 12 هدف.
وخرجت بعض التقارير الصحفية خلال الساعات القليلة الماضية، أن الأهلي يراقب بوريكة من أجل الانضمام إلى مواطنه رضا سليم بداية من الموسم المقبل.
اقرأ أيضًا | مصطفى شوبير يكشف سر تألقه مع الأهلي.. ويصرح: لا أشغل ذهني بالحارس الأساسي لـ منتخب مصر
وتواصل “btolat.com” مع رئيس نادي المغرب الفاسي، إسماعيل الجامعي، للتعليق على تلك الأنباء، وقال: “ليس هناك أي عروض رسمية من قبل الأهلي لضم بوريكة خلال الصيف”.
وتابع: “ولكننا مستعدون للتفاوض إذا كان هناك عرضًا رسميًا من جانبهم في الأسابيع المقبلة”.
وكشف الجامعي عن مفاجأة من العيار الثقيل حول نادٍ مصري آخر مهتم بضم بوريكة: “هناك بعض الوسطاء الذي أبلغونا باهتمام الزمالك بضم اللاعب”.
وعن العروض الأخرى: “هناك اهتمام قوي من قبل نادي الرجاء البيضاوي لضم بوريكة”.
الجدير بالذكر أن عقد بوريكة مع المغرب الفاسي يتبقى فيه موسم واحد آخر أي ينتهي في 30 يونيو 2025، وبالتالي، قد يكون رحيل الهداف صاحب الـ 24 عامًا بالصيف المقبل ممكنًا ليستفيد ناديه المغربي ماديًا.
The former left-handed batsman, who was the first to score a century in the Duleep Trophy, died after a cardiac arrest
Deivarayan Muthu10-Nov-2017AG Milkha Singh, the former India and Tamil Nadu batsman, has died, aged 75, following a cardiac arrest.A left-hander, Milkha made his Test debut for India against Australia in Chennai, just days after his 18th birthday, and played three further Tests before not being considered again for India. He had a more successful domestic career, between 1958-59 and 1968-69, in which he scored 4324 runs, including eight centuries, in 136 innings at an average of 35.44.Milkha was a second-generation cricketer from the AG Singh family, which had moved from Amritsar to Chennai in 1904. Milkha’s father Ram Singh played 56 first-class games, including the first Ranji Trophy match in 1934 in which he claimed 11 wickets against Mysore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. His elder brother Kripal played 14 Tests, including one with Milkha against England in 1961-62. Satwender Singh, the youngest of the lot, played 60 first-class matches,scoring 2726 runs.AG Milkha Singh•Tamil Nadu Cricket AssociationMilkha started playing cricket at 13 and was the vice-captain of the All-India schools team that toured Sri Lanka in 1955. He went onto make his Ranji Trophy debut for Madras at 17 and struck the first hundred in the Duleep Trophy, hitting 151 for South Zone against North Zone in the inaugural match at Madras in 1961-62. He was also a key member of the State Bank of India side, in the late 60s and early 70s, which also included former India legspinner VV Kumar.”He leaves behind a legacy not only for Tamil Nadu and India but also for State Bank of India – having played from 1964 to 1977,” Kumar told ESPNcricinfo. “There are no second thoughts about his technique, ability, and flamboyant game. Milkha was one of the best left-handers I have seen in India at that time along with Ajit Wadekar. I have bowled to a lot of world-class left-handers, including Garry Sobers, but Milkha was up there.”Milkha and I had been to Colombo, Singapore, and Malaysia with the State Bank side. In fact, back then, the BCCI was contemplating having a State Bank side in Ranji. Ajit Wadekar and Hanumant Singh were also part of that strong side. Milkha contributed a lot to State Bank of India.”What stood out about Milkha was he could play any shot against any type of bowling. He has stood up to the fury of bowlers from West Indies like (Wes) Hall and (Sonny) Ramadhin. Coming to the zonals, the side was always dependent on him. And Milkha was always Tamil Nadu’s No. 3. If he didn’t come in at No. 3, the opposition would be surprised.”
Major news has rocked Wolverhampton Wanderers fans with manager Julen Lopetegui departing the club.
Things may go from bad to worse as Dean Jones, when speaking with GIVEMESPORT has spoken on the mindset of the players at the club, saying that they do “not appear ready for a new season.”
What does Lopetegui’s departure mean for the Wolves players?
Julen Lopetegui has departed Molineux and the club have very quickly found his replacement. Former AFC Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil is the man in question and one would think that this swift movement would be a sign of stability.
This may well be far from the truth though in what has already been a complex summer.
Atletico Madrid loanee Matheus Cunha saw his deal made permanent for a sizable fee, somewhere in the region of £43 million. This has been massively offset by the high-profile sale of Ruben Neves, the midfielder who was perennially linked with a major European move and yet he has ended up, alongside many other players, opting to ply his trade in Saudi Arabia.
Defender Nathan Collins also moved on from Wolves with Brentford as his destination, the Bees breaking their transfer record at roughly £23 million for the Irishman.
Players have come and players have gone and if what Jones’ says below is to be believed, then a number of others in black and gold will be considering where their futures lie too.
What has Dean Jones got to say on the developments at Wolves?
“After the good work of last season, this should have been an exciting moment, but the financial restrictions are just taking their toll.
“While the focus was on the manager, it also extends to the playing squad, where I have been told a couple of players are wondering what the knock-on effect will be. I think they would have preferred this was not such a public fallout as they don’t want to hear about concerns over Financial Fair Play.
“Players have to remain focused on playing matters in a time like this, but if there’s a real chance your manager is about to give up on the project because it does not meet the standards he thought he would be able to work at, then it’s worrying. The team does not appear ready for a new season, and the next few days will be interesting.”
Wolves will kick off their new season with a trip to Old Trafford in just a matter of days and yet, there could still be comings and goings before this face-off against Manchester United.
One player worth noting is actually no longer employed by the West Midlands side, in the form of Adama Traore. The winger-come-fullback’s deal at Molineux expired at the beginning of July and a number of European clubs are pursuing him. A trio of those play their football in the Serie A: Napoli, Roma and AC Milan as per Sport.es.
Birmingham Live are reporting that Wolves are keeping tabs on West Ham United forward Michail Antonio. This is particularly fascinating when the saga of another Hammer is considered- Aaron Cresswell has been on the brink of a move to Wolverhampton a number of times and it could still be on the cards.
Crystal Palace's 2023/24 Premier League campaign kicks off away at Sheffield United on the opening day next weekend and speculation remains hanging over the head of one of the club's star players – Cheick Doucoure.
What's the latest Cheick Doucoure transfer news?
The Daily Mail reported last month that top-flight giants Liverpool are considering a swoop to sign the central midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window.
Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his midfield options and has identified the Mali international as a possible signing to replace the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who have moved to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.
However, the report claims that the Eagles value their outstanding battler at around £70m, although it remains to be seen whether the Reds would be willing to pay that much for his services.
Journalist Dean Jones has backed the club's decision to value the 23-year-old talent at such a price. He told Football FanCast:
“Doucoure’s price tag is obviously eye-popping, especially when you consider how much Mac Allister was signed for, but I can totally understand why that value has been set and we always have to remember that the Mac Allister fee was a bit of a one-off.
"In different circumstances, he too could have been priced at £70m, there’s not really any doubt about that. Palace are in a moment when the vultures are circling for Guehi, Olise and Doucoure and they have to fight to survive.
"That’s why they are hiking up prices and Liverpool have to expect and accept that.”
This shows that co-owner Steve Parish struck gold when he signed the ace for Patrick Vieira last summer in a £21m deal from Ligue 1 side RC Lens.
How good is Cheick Doucoure?
The terrific midfield warrior enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League and has proven himself to be one of the club's top-performing players.
Doucoure produced consistently impressive displays in the middle of the park as he averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.97 across 34 appearances, which was the third-highest score of all outfielders on the team – only behind Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.
The Palace star caught the eye with his outstanding defensive contributions in midfield. He led the club for both tackles (2.3) and interceptions (1.6) per game in the top-flight last season, which shows that the Mali international is able to constantly break up attacks from the opposition to regain possession for his side.
Crystal Palace midfielder Chieck Doucoure.
His form comes off the back of an equally impressive campaign with Lens in France. Doucoure averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.07 and made 4.2 tackles and interceptions combined per match across 34 league games, which shows that his performances for the Eagles are not a flash in the pan.
At the age of 23, the talented machine, who was once lauded as "combative" and "consistent" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also has plenty of time left to develop and improve.
This means that any buying club would be signing a player who can make an immediate impact on the pitch at the top level whilst also having room to get even better in the future with the right coaching.
Therefore, Palace are well within their right to demand such a huge fee for his services. Selling him for £70m would represent a profit of roughly 233% on the initial £21m they spent to bring him in from Lens, which would represent terrific business by Parish and Vieira.
The Eagles struck gold by signing the superb maestro as they have been able to bring in a player who has made himself one of the team's best performers whilst also now having an asset that could land the club a significant payday either this summer or in a future window.
Arsenal have enjoyed plenty of successes when dipping into the Dutch market, but they could be set to emulate one of their best moves should they swoop again this summer…
Is Mohammed Kudus leaving Ajax?
The man in question is Mohammed Kudus, who has garnered widespread attention for his fine displays in both an Ajax and a Ghana shirt. He has come a long way from last summer's protracted move to Everton, with Chelsea and the Gunners now battling over his signature according to Football Transfers.
However, it is noted that Mikel Arteta will first have to trim down his bloated squad before stumping up the £40m asking price. Fortunately, they seem to be blessed with time to make the deal happen, given the 22-year-old reportedly favours a move to the Emirates as it will play host to Champions League football next season.
Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…
With Marc Overmars, Thomas Vermaelen, and more recently Jurrien Timber all having traded the Eredivisie for north London, perhaps the youngster could be the latest star to tread that same path.
If there is any who he will hope to personally emulate though from within that category, it would likely be Robin van Persie.
How many goals has Mohammed Kudus scored?
Last campaign truly marked a breakout one for Kudus, who despite having risen to prominence before that, announced himself as capable of starring on the biggest stage.
His 18-goal haul across all competitions was supplemented by a further seven assists, and the Ghana international would even translate such form into the World Cup too, as he scored twice in three matches whilst maintaining a 7.70 average rating, the best of anyone from his country.
These displays led teammate Calvin Bassey to laud the trickster, branding him a "starboy" and suggesting he was "on fire". His 7.07 average rating in the Eredivisie actually would have made him Arteta's seventh-best performer from last season, sure to bring added firepower to bolster the wide ranks.
Should he choose north London as his next destination, Van Persie is marked as the outstanding export from the Dutch league to have made that move. Joining as a fresh-faced youngster in 2004, he would go on to play 278 times for Arsenal, rising to become their captain whilst also scoring 132 goals.
robin-van-persie
Although his Manchester United exit was somewhat unceremonious, Arsene Wenger attested he was a remarkable player who enjoyed periods where he was impossibly lethal in front of goal:
"He [Robin van Persie] is in a period where he doesn't have to look for goals, they just come naturally for him, and he's always in the right place at the right moment. He got two again tonight from positions where it looks easy, but it's not easy, because he understands the game so well.
"At the moment I believe Robin van Persie is an exceptional player. He takes advantage of our attacking style. I hope we can keep him for a long time. He is completely dedicated; it is not always obvious to put a striker as captain but he is exceptional."
In 2013, Swansea City striker Michu even suggested he was "the best striker in the world".
He left a legacy at the club that is still remembered with fondness today, even if it was a tenure not littered with major honours. The Dutchman would claim just one FA Cup whilst at Arsenal, yet won the Premier League immediately after joining their Manchester rivals.
Kudus will hope to go one further, by not only emulating Van Persie's exceptional personal career, but surpassing his ability to chase silverware under Arteta's leadership.
Everton are in the market to improve their attacking threat this summer, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential transfer target.
What's the latest on Everton's interest in Brian Brobbey?
According to Football Insider, Everton have made an approach with interest in signing Ajax forward Brian Brobbey.
As per the report, the Toffees have made the Eredivisie club aware that they are interested in signing Brobbey this summer and are currently weighing up their options before pushing forward with a concrete move for the striker.
It is noted that Sean Dyche is on the hunt for another No 9 to help Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the centre-forward role next season due to the Everton striker's injury struggles.
How good is Brian Brobbey?
There is no doubt that reinforcements are needed in the final third at Goodison Park, with Everton finishing last season as the second-lowest goalscorers in the Premier League.
The departures of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon over the last 12 months have significantly weakened the Toffees' attacking threat, and has left the Everton boss with limited options to work with, let alone any prolific and consistent performers in front of goal.
Indeed, the Merseysiders did acquire the services of Neal Maupay last summer, however, like many of Farhad Moshiri's transfer moves, he has been a complete disappointment, with the forgettable Frenchman only finding the back of the net once across all competitions.
As a result, the signing of Brobbey – once hailed "dangerous" by former Dutch striker Pierre van Hooijdonk – would be a great piece of business for Everton and would provide Dyche with a player who can compete for Calvert-Lewin's spot as well as be a huge upgrade on Maupay.
The £14m-rated Netherlands native is an incredible attacking presence, as he ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the competitions at a similar level for non-penalty goals, touches and progressive passes received, whilst he featured in the top 15% for shots on goal and pass completion, as per FBref.
When comparing the Ajax gem's output to Maupay's last season, Brobbey comfortably outperformed his Everton counterpart in a number of key attributes, including goal contributions (16 v 1), rate of shots on target (47% v 40.6%), shots on goal per 90 (3.50 v 2.58), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.29 v 1.45) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.22 v 0.08).
It was reported by Football Insider last month that Maupay was attracting interest from Italy and France, which led to Everton opening talks with a number of Serie A and Ligue 1 clubs over a potential exit.
The sale of the former Brighton & Hove Albion striker would be massively advantageous to the Toffees in their pursuit to boost funds amidst Financial Fair Play concerns, which would, in turn, help them to provide an attractive financial package to secure the signing of Brobbey.
With that being said, a move for Brobbey is definitely one to watch for Everton, as he would boost goal contributions and make significant improvements in the final third to help the team compete more comfortably in the Premier League next season should he replicate his Eredivisie form in the English top flight.
ESPNcricinfo understands the ICC’s settlement offer of an additional $100 million to the BCCI is still on the table
Nagraj Gollapudi27-Apr-2017The door has not yet been completely shut on the BCCI as far as the ICC’s finance model is concerned. ESPNcricinfo understands that immediately after the BCCI was outvoted at the ICC Board meeting on Wednesday, the ICC chairman Shashank Manohar informed Amitabh Choudhury, the BCCI secretary, that the settlement offer of an additional $100 million was still on the table.Under the new finance model, the BCCI stands to receive $293 million from the ICC revenue across an eight-year cycle. The BCCI had wanted $570 million – the share it would have received under the previous Big Three finance model – but Manohar had made a counter offer of an additional $100 million over the $293 million to raise the Indian board’s share to nearly $400 million.On Wednesday, the ICC board read the letter submitted by Choudhury on the mandate given to him by the BCCI and rejected his proposal.How did the BCCI lose? Hours before before the ICC Board met, Choudhury and BCCI CEO Rahul Johri conducted discussions with heads of various boards such as the ECB, Cricket Australia, the WICB, Associates representative Imran Khawaja, and Manohar.It is understood that both BCCI representatives wanted to try and find a “middle path” on the finance model. The idea was to get as close to the $445 million figure the Committee of Administrators (CoA, appointed by Supreme Court of India to supervise the BCCI) had asked Manohar for in March.There was then a separate meeting between Choudhury and three members of the ICC working group, which had drafted the new constitution. Manohar, ECB president Giles Clarke and CA chairman David Peever once again placed the offer of an additional $100 million to Choudhury.ICC chairman Shashank Manohar (right), ECB chairman Giles Clarke (left) and CA chairman David Peever once again offered the BCCI a settlement•Getty Images”Earlier the offer had been made by Manohar, but this was a formal offer from the ICC working group. He [Choudhury] turned it down,” an official said. “He was told that in that case the original proposal had already been approved in February and we can’t change that. Hence the ICC model went through.”With Choudhury refusing to enter a discussion on the settlement deal, the ICC working group was left with no choice but to ask for a show of hands. The BCCI was taken aback when Full Members whom it understood to be in its corner swayed to the ICC side. The BCB, Zimbabwe Cricket and the WICB have been BCCI allies for a long time, but on Wednesday they voted against it. The case of the BCB and ZC was surprising only because both had submitted strong reservations at the outset of the ICC Board meeting. ZC even called the draft constitution “discriminatory.”The official said one main reason behind these three boards changing stance was the ICC’s decision to provide them financial help. It is understood ZC could be given $19 million to clear its debt while the WICB had asked for $40 million as a grant.What now for the BCCI? A ray of hope still exists, considering Manohar wants the BCCI to be happy. A source who has worked closely with Manohar since he arrived at the ICC last year said he has no “desire to alienate” the BCCI. He has asked the ICC to continue engaging with the BCCI.The other reason for the BCCI remaining optimistic was a significant decision the ICC Board agreed on: to move the finance model out of the constitution. The BCCI feels there is still some room for manoeuvre.The working group will meet once again during the ICC’s annual conference in June to approve the final changes to the constitution, governance structure and finance model – all of which would be finally ratified by the ICC Board. “All the boards want this resolved also,” the official said. “What happened yesterday does not mean India has diminished.”Choudhury told the ICC that he would need to head back to the BCCI, which will take a final decision at a special general body meeting (SGM).The official said India still had the bargaining power because of its importance in bilateral cricket. He pointed out that the ICC might need to increase its settlement offer and “go beyond” the proposed $100 million.”There are two ways of resolving this now. One is the SGM says okay, 390 is good. Let us go ahead. The ICC will agree immediately and resolve it. Or [the SGM] says we need more time. Then there will be another round of negotiations [with the ICC].”However, the scope of any further negotiations, the source pointed out, were remote. “He [Manohar] would still want to negotiate with the BCCI, but would he take it beyond $390 million? Questionable.”One other interested party, which could play the catalyst, is the CoA. It has been keeping a close watch on the events in Dubai this week. Any decision taken by the BCCI office bearers would need to be conveyed to the CoA, which would need to approve anything that is sent in writing to the ICC as per the court order. “The CoA can step in, but it will only step in also at $445 million,” the official said.
Wolverhampton Wanderers will be "looking for good value" in the summer transfer window as the club deal with their precarious financial situation, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.
Wolverhampton Wanderers transfer news – what's going on with Wolves financial situation?
It could be a lean summer in terms of incomings for Wolves this year as the club get to grips with financial problems caused, in part, by last season's massive spending that saw them fork out over £100m in player signings.
According to the Athletic, the Old Gold are not expected to breach the league's profit and sustainability rules at this moment in time, but another summer of spending big with little coming into the club would put them at serious risk.
The club have at least made some sales this year, with the biggest being club captain Ruben Neves who was the talk of the footballing world recently following his decision to join Saudi Pro-League side Al Hilal – a deal which netted wolves £47m.
The unfavourable financial situation in the Midlands also caused concern last month that manager Julen Lopetegui would leave after he told the press:
"It is one thing that I didn't know before we came here. It is not my issue, of course I hope the thing will improve and be better for us to be able to compete well next season."
What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about Wolverhampton Wanderer's summer transfer window?
Jones was blunt about the prospect of Wolves signing any high-value players in the summer, noting that instead, the team will likely have to be clever and find the best value in the market that they can.
Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "Wolves are just looking for good value, I can't see them spending more than 20 million pounds on a single player in this summer window. So this is going to be about unearthing a gem, or taking advantage of the free agencies or the loan deals that are available out there, but it's going to be a tricky one for wolves."
Who are Wolverhampton Wanderers' three most expensive signings ever?
With the club unlikely to spend big anytime soon, who are some players they have stumped the cash up for?
In third place is Raul Jimenez, a Mexican international and a cult hero for some at the club. Jimenez cost Wolves a tasty £34.2m when they signed him from Benfica on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019.
Since making his debut for the side, he has scored 57 goals and assisted 24 – which could have been much higher had he not had thathorror injury against Arsenal in 2020.
In second place is Fabio Silva, who cost the club a reported £36m when he signed from Porto in 2020.
It's fair to say that it has yet to entirely go to plan for the youngster in the Midlands, making 64 appearances for the side and producing just ten goal involvements – he has since gone on loan to PSV Eindhoven and RSC Anderlecht.
The most expensive signing in Wolves' history is former Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes who cost the club £42.2m last summer.
Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes.
It is still too early to cast judgment on his time with the Old Gold, but with just a single goal and assist from his 34 league games last year, he needs to up his output just a little bit to avoid some questions next year.
كشف المدير الفني لمنتخب جنوب إفريقيا، هوجو بروس، عن سبب استبعاد بيرسي تاو جناح الأهلي من قائمة اللاعبين لمعسكر شهر مارس الحالي.
ويبدأ منتخب جنوب إفريقيا معسكره يوم 17 مارس وينتهي بعد 10 أيام وسيواجه أندروا والجزائر وديًا.
ولكن القائمة المعلنة لم يكن بها، بيرسي تاو، جناح الأهلي رغم أنه يخوض مباريات مع المارد الأحمر بصورة طبيعية كان آخرها نهائي كأس مصر أمام الزمالك.
ولكن يبدو وأن هناك سبباً آخر دفع بروس لاستبعاد تاو من قائمة جنوب إفريقيا بعد أسابيع قليلة من نهاية كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023 في كوت ديفوار.
اقرأ أيضًا | مدرب جنوب إفريقيا: بيرسي تاو مثل محمد صلاح مع منتخب مصر.. تتاح له الفرص ولا يسجل
وقال بروس في تصريحات بمؤتمره الصحفي ونقلتها صحيفة “كيك أوف” الجنوب إفريقية: “لقد تعرض بيرسي تاو للكثير من الانتقادات بعد انتهاء البطولة”.
وتابع: “هذا ما أثر على تاو وحطمه نفسيًا، لذلك فضلت استبعاده لحمايته”.
وكانت هناك الكثير من التقارير الصحفية بعد انتهاء البطولة التي انتقدت تاو وأداءه خاصة في مباراة نيجيريا في نصف النهائي وحملته الصحافة في جنوب إفريقيا ضياع فرصة التأهل إلى النهائي بسبب الفرص التي أهدرها.
Leeds United are in the latter stages of their manager search this summer and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source about a potential late contender.
What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Patrick Vieira?
According to The Athletic's Leeds reporter Phil Hay, Patrick Vieira is the latest to be considered for the highly-anticipated managerial role at Elland Road.
As per an article written for the publication, Hay claims that the former Crystal Palace manager is on the radar and was, in fact, interested in taking over at Leeds when Jesse Marsch was sacked in February.
What is Patrick Vieira's manager style?
With every day passing the pressure will be mounting on the 49ers and the club's hierarchy to make a decision on their next appointment to lead the squad in their Championship campaign next season.
The fixture lists will be released tomorrow for the EFL and players remaining will return for pre-season in just a few weeks, so employing a manager who can get to work with planning ahead of the challenging 46-game campaign and start to develop a relationship with the team as soon as possible will be vital.
patrick-vieira
Vieira's latest inclusion in the considerations for the important appointment could be a great opportunity for Leeds to bring in a manager who has a keen eye for developing and nurturing young talent, something that the West Yorkshire based squad has plenty of.
Joe Gelhardt, Cody Drameh, Charlie Cresswell, Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra are just some of the incredible young talent Leeds boast who are all under the age of 23, demonstrating an opportunity for the right manager to promote a youth revolution at Elland Road next season.
Whilst the Arsenal legend struggled in the final few months of his most recent job at Selhurst Park, Vieira is renowned for building the next generation of the Crystal Palace team with Michael Olise, Marc Guehi and Odsonne Edouard all acquired by the 46-year-old in his first transfer window and all of these players have gone on to thrive and become key players.
Indeed, Guehi has become a regular in the England squad and has seen his game improve so much that he is now valued at a huge £50m. Olise, meanwhile, fired home two goals and registered 11 assists last term.
Not only that, the attacking-minded manager – who has commonly deployed a 4-3-3 formation over his career on the touchline so far – could significantly improve their presence in front of goal with his possession-based philosophy that earned him 22 victories and 24 draws over his 74 games in charge of Palace. That would surely be music to the ears of the likes of Gnonto and Summerville.
As a result, the appointment of Vieira – hailed a "natural-born winner" by Ian Wright – would be a statement of the club's intent to build a squad for the future at Elland Road, instead of just adopting the short-sighted view of gaining instant promotion back to the Premier League next season.