Leeds United are reportedly in talks over a move to sign Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez this summer. The Uruguay international has impressed in Italian football following his move from Boca Juniors in 2019. Alejo, the administrator of Leeds United Argentina’s Twitter – which boasts around 7,000 followers – gave us the lowdown on Nandez.
Nandez, 25, joined Cagliari after 63 outings for Boca – following a move from Uruguayan side Penarol. He has been Cagliari’s heartbeat since the move, playing 72 times in two seasons for Massimo Cellino’s former side. Now, he could be on his way to Elland Road this summer.
Reports from Italy claim that Leeds are ‘ready’ to pay the £30million release clause in his Cagliari contract. Furthermore, his agent told LUFC Fan Zone this week that talks are ongoing and that Nandez wants to join Leeds. So, what can we expect from Nandez? Alejo is best-placed to tell us.
Having followed his career in Argentina and then to Italy, Alejo believes Leeds would be signing a proper player in Nandez. He exclusively told LeedsUnited.News: “He always gave his maximum for Boca, fans love him. The Uruguayans also highlight what a great player he is. All of us who saw him play for Boca knew he would end up in Europe, he has great qualities.”
Alejo has kept a track of Nandez in Italy. While Cagliari only managed to finish in a lowly 16th place in Serie A, Nandez was a shining light in the Italian side. He was crucial in a team that did eventually finish four points above the drop zone – and Alejo reckons a move to a bigger European side is inevitable. He compared Nandez to current Leeds star Stuart Dallas.
Leeds transfer news: Nandez the next Dallas?
“In Cagliari, he is doing well. I think that if he continues in the same way, in the future he can aspire to play for a big club in Europe,” Alejo continued. “He has all the conditions to do it. I read this comparison yesterday and couldn’t agree more. Nandez could be the next [Stuart] Dallas. He is a player who can move around all parts of the field. Whether on the outside or inside. He is a player with Bielsa’s DNA.”
On the prospect of Nandez moving to Elland Road, Alejo told LeedsUnited.News that the Uruguayan could be ideal for Leeds. He reckons the South American midfielder boasts plenty of resale value, and he is worthy of a potential £30million price tag. Alejo reckons the prospect of working under Bielsa means Nandez is keen to join us.
“It is a fair price,” Alejo added. “If he comes to come with us and plays well, in the future his value may increase even more. With Bielsa as a coach he can grow a lot. He is a perfect fit for Leeds. I also understand that Nahitan wants to play in England, let’s hope that happens. Playing in a historic club like Leeds and being led by Bielsa must be a very great motivation.”
