Ronaldo Vieira has left Leeds United to join Sampdoria for an undisclosed fee on a five year deal, it has been confirmed.
The Whites announced on their official club website that the 20-year-old midfielder had joined the Serie A club after appearing 71 times for the Yorkshire giants.
Vieira, who was raised in Portugal, signed for Benfica’s academy – his boyhood club – at the age of 11 before leaving Portugal in 2011 in search of more job opportunities for his family in England.
The promising prospect joined Leeds in September 2015 after impressing during a trial at their club academy.
The England U21 international made his debut against Preston North End on the final day of the 2015/16 season before becoming a first-team regular under then-manager Garry Monk the following campaign.
OPINION
Ronaldo Vieira was a strong prospect for Leeds United and racked up a large number of appearances for such a young age. He made a dramatic breakthrough into the squad during the 2016/17 season and was nominated as one of four players for the club’s Young Player of the Year award. Ultimately, a disappointing season saw Vieira fail to force his way into Marcelo Bielsa’s plans this summer. The Guinea-born midfielder has a bright future ahead of him and can hopefully perform to the abilities he had shown in his first season as a professional. It is a gamble for Vieira to move abroad into a different division but a one he should relish and try to grab with both hands. As Leeds continue to chop and change members of the squad, they could regret letting Vieira go. He was ineffective last year but holds a lack of professional experience and should have been given a greater chance to prove his worth at Elland Road.