The news came through this week that Brazilian Adryan Tavares has signed for French Ligue 1 outfit Nantes on loan for the upcoming season.
When Adryan signed for Leeds United on a season-long deal in the 2014 summer transfer window hopes were high for the Brazilian youngster. Fans were excited by such an exotic signing. An initial loan deal with a reported £3m buy option seemed like a positive deal for such a talented 20 year old.
Only a few years earlier, he impressed greatly at the u17s South American Championships leading to strong interest from Europe. Eventually, though, he signed for the Whites, due, in part, to the Elland Road owner owner Massimo Cellino’s relationship with former loan club Cagliari.
Initially unsure about a move to Leeds, Adryan took quite a while to make his debut, surely due to acclimatisation issues, but finally he came on to raucous applause against Rotherham in mid-October. Seeming a suitable owner of the moniker ‘babyfaced assassin’, he looked sharp, supremely skilful and had a clear will to dribble past defenders. He managed a couple of shots from the edge of the box, forcing a fine save and a last ditch scramble by the Rotherham goalkeeper.
After getting regular minutes for the next few games, he showed his best performance in a Leeds shirt against strugglers Blackpool, providing an assist, and looking dangerous on the turn whilst seeking the through ball.
His only other notable game was the home fixture against Derby County where he played freely, always seeking space between the lines. Unfortunately, and rather comically, he will be remembered by most for ‘that dive’ that occurred in this game. ‘Worthy of an Oscar’, he looked for all the world like a flying salmon, after leaping in the air before cascading to the deck and flapping around.
After failing to complete 90 minutes since the Derby game mentioned at the end of November, he has only played 16 minutes since the FA Cup tie against Sunderland in January. Since then appearances have been limited to u21 fixtures, showing his class – particularly in the match against Brentford u21s. Standing by the halfway line, he awaited the drop of the ball from a goal kick, flicking it over the opponent’s head with his first touch. The vine is well worth watching.
He now moves on to a new challenge at Nantes. On arrival he claimed: “I am very happy to be here. My dream was always to play in Europe and I have that chance. I will do everything to seize this opportunity.”
His stay at Leeds United ended in sadness and missed opportunity as he admitted to being ‘very sad’ with his role at the club. Every one of the Leeds fans was willing this player to succeed but will have left thinking he wasn’t given sufficient chance.
We bid him farewell and wish him every success in the future. There is certainly a player in there.
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