Leeds United are reportedly ready to rival Inter Milan in pursuit of Cagliari’s 25-year-old midfield sensation Nahitan Nandez this summer.
According to Calciomercato, Nahitan Nandez faces an uncertain future at Cagliari, with Leeds United and Inter Milan interested in his services. He is most likely to leave Sardinia as the club look to use the financial boost to aid their deteriorating economic situation in the midst of a pandemic.
Nandez has been linked with a move to Elland Road for a long time now. It appears the 25-year-old has been identified as one of Marcelo Bielsa’s top targets as the Argentine tactician looks to shore up his midfield options following the departure of Pablo Hernandez.
The Spaniard’s exit has indeed created a massive void in Leeds’ attacking unit, especially with the likes of Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton also failing to establish themselves as first-team regulars. Hence, the Whites are ready to acquire Nandez, who has emerged as a rising star for Cagliari since arriving in 2019.
In just two years, the Uruguayan international has become a first-team regular for Gli Isolani, notching up 72 competitive appearances. His four goals and seven assists have been a great help, but what makes Nandez such a key component at Cagliari is his ability to add that extra pinch of aggression, work ethic and commitment in midfield.
A native of Punta del Este, Nandez is a fierce midfielder who isn’t afraid to commit himself into tackles. The 25-year-old also likes to hurry and hassle the opposing ball-carriers, thus making him an ideal fit for Bielsa’s tactical setup at Elland Road.
The Whites are already in the market for reinforcements in the midfield department this summer, as they look to add more competition for the likes of Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich. They were linked with a move for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher earlier this summer, but the move appears to have stalled in recent weeks.
As such, the West Yorkshire giants have set their sights on Nandez. But it remains to be seen how the interest from Inter Milan dictates the future of the Cagliari midfield sensation.
Much like Leeds, the Serie A champions are also in the market for midfielders. Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek was identified as one of the potential targets for the Nerazzurri, but Simone Inzaghi may prefer Nandez due to his experience in the Italian top-flight. An intriguing battle should ensue for Nandez this summer.
