According to a report from Calciomercato, as cited by Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are among a host of sides looking to sign Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez who moved to the Italian outfit from Argentine heavyweight Boca Juniors this summer.
The Whites had been linked with the Uruguayan international earlier this year, but the midfielder went on to join Cagliari. The midfielder is now being rated at £30m. Cagliari signed him in the summer for €18m. With that kind of fee involved, Leeds United will only make an acquisition like this if they get promoted to the Premier League at the end of this season. Nandez signed a long term contract with the Serie A outfit as his deal runs until 2024 so it is understandable why Cagliari might be pricing him highly.
What can Nandez offer?
Nandez shot into the limelight while playing for his country in midfield during the 2018 World Cup, as he helped his side to reach the quarter-finals where they lost to eventual winners France. The midfielder is known for his tenacity, perseverance, commitment and work rate, which is often a trademark feature of the Uruguayan players who play at the national level.
The 23-year-old can either play in central midfield or in a deeper role as a defensive midfielder. Nandez is more than just a midfield disruptor though as he can find neat passes and has good composure on the ball. Given the way Bielsa likes to play high-intensity football, Nandez would be a good fit at Elland Road.
A fierce battle is on the cards to sign the midfielder
Nandez could fill in for either Kalvin Phillips or Mateusz Klich at Elland Road. The Whites don’t have a backup option to Phillips; therefore, they should be on the lookout to bolster their squad if they get to the Premier League. However, Nandez will likely attract interest from some of the top clubs as well. Serie A heavyweights like Napoli and Inter Milan are said to be interested, so United will not find it easy to lure him even if they make it to the Premier League.
The midfielder is still just 23, and he can improve a lot by playing under a manager like Bielsa. £30m might seem a bit too much for him right now, but we believe that he will soon be worth more as he has already impressed for Cagliari in half a season. There is no doubt that the Uruguayan international is ready to play at a more higher level. Hopefully, the Whites will get to the Premier League by next season so that they can stand a chance of signing this exciting talent.
