Leeds United have been linked (Shields Gazette) with Uruguayan international Nahitan Nandez, but the Whites are going to face significant competition for his signature as Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign him. Moreover, it is being reported that the midfielder can cost somewhere around €20m. Therefore the Whites can only afford to spend that kind of money if they make it to the Premier League.
Latest update from Nandez’s agent Pablo Bentancur makes it clear that the 23-year-old is ready to move in the summer and plenty of clubs are linked with him.
Bentancur said (Tuttomercatoweb), ”I’m talking to so many teams, Nahitan has further experience behind it. He wants to leave Boca; it’s time to play in Italy or England. A player like this, with this strength and temperament, would be convenient for many. At the Bernabeu, against River Plate, he showed heart, desire, temperament. All characteristics that a coach would like to find in one of his players.”
Nandez was a regular for his country in midfield in the 2018 World Cup, and he helped his side reach the quarter-finals only losing out to eventual winners France in the end. Like most international Uruguayan players, Nandez is a fighter on the pitch and his perseverance and work rate are the things which are admired the most.
However, apart from being a midfield disruptor, Nandez is neat in possession. He can also move the ball quickly. There is no doubt that a player like him can turn out to be a fan favourite at Elland Road and playing under someone like Bielsa can bring the best out of him.
Given his qualities, he would slot into Bielsa’s footballing philosophy seamlessly as the Argentine gaffer has a demanding playing style. Nandez can play either as a defensive midfielder or even as a central midfielder, and there is no doubt that he would be a massive signing for the club. Midfield is one of the areas where the club lacks depth as Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich have played most of the games this season.
Apart from the Whites, some top Serie A outfits like AS Roma are also interested in him, and United are likely going to be the least favourite to sign him at the moment. However, things can change if they move to the Premier League but there is no doubt that he could easily prefer a move to Roma over other interested clubs.
