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Leeds reportedly closing in on 25-year-old compared to Saul Niguez, fans should be buzzing – TBR View

Leeds United appear to be closing in on the signing of Nahitan Nandez, according to reports.

that Whites sporting director Victor Orta has flown to Sardinia to try and strike a deal for the 25-year-old.

It is believed that negotiations could deliver an answer in the “next few hours”, and the relationship between club owners is apparently “excellent”.

And Leeds fans should be excited about this report, because Marcelo Bielsa would be getting himself a great midfielder.

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on Nahitan Nandez
Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images

Impressive CV for club and country

Nandez has just finished playing in the Copa America, playing all five matches for Uruguay as they reached the last 16.

His tally of international caps now stands at 41, including nine in the Copa America and five at the World Cup.

In terms of his club career, Nandez came through the ranks at Uruguayan giants Penarol before joining Boca Juniors in 2017.

He was successful in South America, winning two league championships with Penarol and one with Boca.

In 2019, he joined Italy’s Cagliari, where he has made 72 appearances.

Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images

Nandez style of play

Nandez very much fits the bill as a Marcelo Bielsa type player.

He is versatile, able to play at no. 10, no. 8 and even no. 6, where he could cover for Kalvin Phillips.

In addition, Nandez has played at right-back for Uruguay, which is another area Leeds could do with bolstering.

According to a scouting report on , Nandez “plays an aggressive style that stems from his physical nature.

“He doesn’t have great size, but he is remarkably strong for a midfielder.

Photo by Bruna Prado/Getty Images

“He is also an exceptional tackler who doesn’t commit many fouls.

“After he wins the ball in the midfield, Nandez can play short passes to spearhead an attack.

“He will then join the attackers to help create goal scoring opportunities.

“As such, Nandez is a true box-to-box midfielder.”

And over the years, fans have compared him to the likes of Nicolo Barella and Saul Niguez.