William Carvalho, along with 4 of his Sporting Lisbon teammates, has sent official emails to the club’s hierarchy, terminating their contracts for ‘just cause’. This is in reaction to the reported 50-man assault on the players last week at the Sporting training facilities which has already forced Rui Patricio, Daniel Podence and manager, Jorge Jesus to quit the club.
Carvalho is close to ending ties with the Leos and turning himself into one of the most sought-after assets in European football. Now clubs will be clobbering to sign him up with attractive contract offers now that talks of a transfer fee are understandably out of the question.
The 26-year-old defensive midfielder was already being targeted by some of the continent’s biggest names. He has been impressing aplenty with his performances for both club and country.
Carvalho has been capped 43 times for the Portugal senior national team, playing a key role for his country in the 2016 Euro League triumph. He was always a bright prospect coming out of the Portuguese ranks, as evident from his 60 caps for his nation’s youth sides.
The midfielder appeared in 38 games last season to help Sporting to the third spot of the Primera Liga. He has racked up 193 games, 11 goals and 14 assists for the Leões during his 13-year association with the club. The 26-year-old has spent the majority of his playing career at his home country but has done well against when tested against European teams.
He has developed into a fine enforcer who is capable of single-handedly securing a team’s midfield. The Luanda-born player is skilled at winning back possession and intercepting passes with his well-timed challenges.
Most teams who play with an attacking lineup need a player of his calibre to hold down the fort from the central areas. Here are a few clubs who should move for him this summer.
Jose Mourinho picked up Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk and now the Citizens have to look into alternatives they can pursue. Fernandinho is 33 years old and cannot be relied upon for an entire 38-game regular season. Pep Guardiola will need a backup anchorman now that Yaya Toure has also left the side.
Ever since Francis Coquelin left the team back in January, the Gunners have struggled with their defensive output from the centre of the pitch. Granit Xhaka does a decent job but is yet to justify his monumental transfer fee. Maybe Carvalho will be the upgrade Unai Emery needs and the right partner for Aaron Ramsey.
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Wolves
Nuno Espirito Santo has opted against the permanent recall of Alfred N’Diaye from Villareal this summer, leaving a spot open for Carvalho next to Ruben Neves.
