Leeds United had a strong season in the Premier League in 2020/2021, which was their first season back in the top-flight of English football after 16 long years. However, they proved that they have the potential to be Premier League regulars and even challenge for the European spots in the future. The club management and owners are ready to build on a fine first season in the PL, that saw them finish in the top half of the table, by investing more in the squad and making a few signings that will make the club a genuine contender for the European spots.
Just like every other club, Leeds United are linked to several players who can strengthen the squad and add more quality to it. One of the players linked to the West Yorkshire club is Uruguayan midfielder Nahitan Nandez. The player had been linked to the club for the past year, with Italian news outlet La Nuova Sardegna stating that the transfer could happen soon with the player’s exit from his current club almost inevitable.
Nandez, who plays for Italian club Cagliari, had a good season in Serie A and put in some strong performances that grabbed the attention of Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentinian manager is adamant to make the midfielder a Leeds United player and the club are close to fulfilling his wish.
However, in a new twist to the tale, Italian giants Inter Milan are reportedly trying to snatch the player from under Leeds United’s noses. In a late drama, the Serie A champions are looking to make Nandez an Inter player and have allegedly offered midfielder Radja Nainggolan and forward Andrea Pinamonti as a part of the deal to Cagliari. Cagliari could be tempted to accept the offer from the Nerazzurri for the 25-year-old Uruguayan who has a release clause of €36 million. However, with Inter Milan struggling for finances, added by the recent signing of Turkish international Hakan Calhanoglu, it could be difficult to provide any more signings for new manager Simone Inzaghi.
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa had made Nandez his number one target to strengthen his squad for next season, and he would certainly be incensed if the deal were not completed. If Leeds United were to pay the 25-year-old midfielder’s release clause, it would make him the most expensive signing for the club, breaking the previous record of €30 million paid for forward Rodrigo.
The player’s agent Pablo Bentancur recently gave an interview where he hinted that his client could be moving to England. “It is very likely that Nandez will leave Cagliari. He is ready for a big one. We have had many contacts. The market, however, is a bit slow due to Covid. In England someone asked for information, as well as in Italy. We are working,” Bentancur said. Speaking to a Leeds United fan podcast “lufcfanzone”, the agent said, “Our wish is to play in England; if it is with Leeds United that would be much better.”
These quotes from his agent suggest that even though there is strong interest from Inter Milan, Nahitan Nandez could reject that transfer to move to Elland Road. It could all come down to the player’s decision and Leeds United fans could be in for a long summer transfer saga.
