---
title: "Leeds: ‘Decisive’ week ahead in Nahitan Nandez chase"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-decisive-week-ahead-in-nahitan-nandez-chase/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "David Comerford"
section: "Leeds United"
published: "2021-07-10T15:15:58Z"
modified: "2021-07-10T15:15:58Z"
---

# Leeds: ‘Decisive’ week ahead in Nahitan Nandez chase

**It should become clear in the next week whether or not Leeds are willing to pay Nahitan Nandez’s release clause, according to a report from Italian newspaper [La Nuova Sardegna](https://www.lanuovasardegna.it/) (via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/there-is-always-leeds-next-week-can-be-decisive-in-transfer-chase-whites-need-to-pay-up/)).**

### The lowdown

The 25-year-old midfielder made [34 appearances](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/280928/Show/Nahitan-N%C3%A1ndez) in all competitions for Cagliari last season, averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.5 clearances, 1.2 dribbles and one key pass per Serie A match (via [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/280928/Show/Nahitan-N%C3%A1ndez)).

A couple of months ago, Italian football expert Mina Rzouki [hailed Nandez](https://twitter.com/Minarzouki/status/1389505076813864964) as ‘one of the most underrated players’ in the league after a string of ‘amazing’ performances.

The midfielder was called up by Uruguay for the Copa America, but only made [one appearance](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/280928/Show/Nahitan-N%C3%A1ndez) at the tournament prior to their quarter-final exit.

### The latest

[La Nuova Sardegna](https://www.lanuovasardegna.it/) stated (via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/there-is-always-leeds-next-week-can-be-decisive-in-transfer-chase-whites-need-to-pay-up/)) that Leeds are an option for Nandez, but a ‘decisive’ period awaits ahead of his return to Italy for pre-season training. Cagliari, who finished [16th](https://www.whoscored.com/Regions/108/Tournaments/5/Italy-Serie-A) in Serie A last season, are waiting to see if they will need to recruit a new midfielder to replace him.

His release clause stands at €36m (£30.8m), which would [break Leeds’ transfer record](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/transferrekorde/verein/399) if they agree to meet it.

### The verdict

Nandez appears to be an exceptionally well-rounded midfielder who could make a big impact at Leeds, but the price tag is a little prohibitive.

Marcelo Bielsa could do with more competition in the middle of the park, as demonstrated by the [drop-off in Mateusz Klich’s form](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/69638/MatchStatistics/Mateusz-Klich) during the middle of last season, but does that really demand a record outlay?

Perhaps a club like Cagliari who only narrowly staved off relegation would be willing to negotiate if it still meant a major influx of cash, so maybe Leeds could try to negotiate a more cost-effective deal for Nandez if they are determined to sign him.

**In other news, [this Leeds ace has been earmarked for a lengthy Elland Road stay.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-stuart-dallas-tipped-to-finish-career-at-elland-road/)**