There have been various updates on the Nahitan Nández to Leeds United story over the past few weeks. However, the latest twist in the tale must be encouraging as well as alarming for the supporters following the recent quotes of the player’s agent regarding any potential summer transfer.
“I spoke with important clubs in Europe and he [Nandez] told me that he would like to play with Bielsa.”
Stated Pablo Betancur, the midfielder’s representative, in an interview with Argentine outlet El Crack Deportivo.
The 23-year-old Uruguayan is enjoying his time in Argentina with Boca Juniors but grabbed attention during the FIFA World Cup last year when he featured in every game for his nation. Although he has a year left in his current deal with the Genoese, the Whites should offer a fee of around £17m to acquire his services.
Nandez is regarded as a pocket-sized powerhouse for his combativeness, tenacity and physical presence in the middle of the park despite having a lower centre of gravity. Clubs in Europe are circling like vultures to rope in the midfield ace, but the profile of Bielsa is indeed fascinating for a South American prospect due to his paramount contribution in the modern-day game.
Yet the uncertainty over a top-tier return might work as a significant obstacle in Leeds’ pursuit of the Uruguay international. A defeat to Birmingham City has jeopardised their automatic promotion hopes while the player would prefer a move to Premier League if decides to ply his trade to England.
“Still, there is nothing closed and you have to wait for a real offer. He’s not a second-division player.”
This was said by Bentancur which evidently indicates the player’s aspiration if a transfer to Europe materializes in the due course.
Leeds would love to have someone of Nandez’ calibre who would fit in the’hole’ in between Bielsa’s backline and ‘midfield four’. Kalvin Phillips has been commendable in a similar role, but the homegrown prodigy is more effective in a box-to-box or advanced midfield slot like he used to feature before Bielsa’s appointment.
The Whites, however, must concentrate on the remaining fixtures now to avoid yet another heartbreak. They have never been this close of promotion ever since going down to the second-tier back in 2004. A lot of things depend upon their revival, and the West Yorkshire giants would only be able to restore the lost pride if a top-flight return is acquired.
