Leeds United Confirm Signing of Ronaldo

Leeds United caught the eye of many this week when the club announced the signing of Ronaldo to the club's Academy. However, it is not the Ronaldo many originally thought may have signed with the Whites.

Following his trial period with the club's under-18 team, Leeds United confirmed that Ronaldo Vieira Nan had signed a two-year scholarship to join the Whites academy system. Sharing his name with Brazilian greats Ronaldo and Patrick Vieira, Leeds United will no doubt be hoping for the winger to live up to his namesake.

Expected to make appearances for the under-21 team this season, the 17-year old's has already made an appearance with the senior side at Elland Road during the clubs pre-season tour earlier this year.

A product of the i2i Football Academy, the young Brazilian had spent the last three years training and learning the game under academy coaches Simon Collins and Mike Morton.

Even with the signing less than a week old, many have already placed high expectations on the player thanks to his namesake. If only half the quality of Ronaldo or Patrick Vieira, Leeds United could have a star player on their hands.

The return of Paul Hart to the position of Academy Director will also boost many supporters expectations for the Brazilian's development. As many Whites supporters will remember, Paul Hart oversaw the development of Harry Kewell, Alan Smith, Ian Harte, Gary Kelly and Paul Robinson during his first stint with the club.

Talking about the scholarship signing with Leeds United, Ronaldo was extremely excited to join the setup at Elland Road.

"I’ve been training with Leeds United for a few months now, so it’s great to finally be offered a scholarship." Ronaldo would later add his thanks "to the i2i Sports Agency who have helped to make this happen".

With so many interested eyes expected to monitor the development of Ronaldo Vieira Nan, Leeds United will definitely be under pressure to make the Brazilian first team ready sooner rather than later.

Given the chance to develop under the guiding hands of Paul Hart, the young Brazilian could soon become the next star player to appear for the Whites at Elland Road, something the Whites supporters will definitely be hoping to one day see.