Cagliari ace Nahitan Nandez has admitted that Leeds United tried to bring him to the Premier League during Marcelo Bielsa’s time in charge at Elland Road.
Three years after Leeds United’s £26 million bid failed to tempt Cagliari into a sale, Nahitan Nandez is finally working hand-in-hand with Marcelo Bielsa. One of the most influential, enigmatic coaches of the modern era took over the Uruguayan national team in the spring, and one of Bielsa’s first acts was to welcome Nandez back into the international fold.
The 27-year-old midfielder had not featured for his country since 2021. That is, until he returned for September’s clashes against Chile and Ecuador.
Bielsa’s personal touch, meanwhile, went a long way for Nandez, warming the cockles of a player who’s reputation has taken a nosedive thanks to a spate of injuries in the aftermath of that aborted switch to Elland Road.
Marcelo Bielsa wanted Nahitan Nandez at Leeds United
“When the new coaching staff took over, they called me often. And the fact they thought of me made me very happy,” Nandez tells Radio Sport 890, via El Pais.
“When I almost left Cagliari, one of the possibilities was the team where Marcelo was (at the time).”
Leeds, according to Italian publication Centro Trentuno, offered 30 million euros shortly after sealing the Championship title. Three years on, Nandez is still a Cagliari player, celebrating a promotion of his own after the Rossoblu returned to Serie A via the play-offs a few months ago.
And, make no mistake, his return to Uruguay selection is no act of charity on Bielsa’s behalf. A long-time admirer of the all-action midfielder he may be, the former Leeds boss is not the sort of man who hands out opportunities to those undeserving of them.
A new role for Nandez
“He is a serious, professional guy,” Nandez adds, his return a reward for his fine recent form as well as his tactical versatility. “But he left a very good impression on us, the way he works and what he asks of us is clear. We have to be calm and keep in mind that there is a great team of young players.
“It was clear to him that. He wanted to use me in that position (as a right-back).”
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