Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images

News

HomeNewsEnglish Premier LeagueLeeds United

Report: Leeds United still tracking Nahitan Nandez, sporting director not concerned

Mathew Nash

Sat 15 August 2020 9:15, UK

Leeds United are reportedly still keen on the Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, according to reports in Italy. 

claims that Leeds are still keen on the Uruguayan, with Premier League rivals West Ham also interested.  The report also claims that Leeds could be in luck, with Cagliari potentially interested in conducting a sale to raise cash. 

Last April, that Leeds United were keen on bringing the player to Europe from Boca Juniors. 

His agent even spoke of a move to Leeds United. Pablo Bentacur , as that Nandez would relish the chance to work with Bielsa. 

“I spoke with important clubs in Europe and he told me that he would like to play with Bielsa,” Bentacur stated. 

He went on to suggest that the only thing preventing a move to Leeds was the division they were playing in.

However, as Leeds failed to win promotion, the deal was off. Nandez eventually joined Cagliari in a deal worth a £16 million. 

But Leeds are back in the Premier League now, making Nandez a viable target once again. 

Nandez has a €38 million (£34.5m) release clause with the Italian club but, that is set to be renegotiated due to the global health crisis. The fee was a gentleman’s agreement, with nothing signed, therefore, the dynamic midfielder might be available at a lower price. 

Cagliari’s new sporting director has since addressed the rumours regarding Nandez and that apparent release clause. 

“We are certainly not hoping that someone will exercise it (the release clause),” Pierluigi Carta “Today it is an important element of this squad and he demonstrated it on the field by honoring the shirt in a strong way as if it were a veteran. Our will is very clear.”

So clearly the Italian club are clearly not interested in letting him leave on the cheap. Meanwhile, with Leeds operating on a strict budget and Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich favourites of Marcelo Bielsa, it is hard to see where Nandez would currently fit into the Elland Road first-team. 

But Nandez is clearly a long-term target and a name for Leeds fans to continue tracking over the weeks and months to come.