Spurs were in talks to sign Nahitan Nandez before the Serie A star found himself stuck at Cagliari, sporting director Stefano Capozucca has told L’Unione Sarda, via Tuttomercatoweb.
With Bryan Gil, Emerson Royal, Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero adding some serious depth to Spurs’ squad – and high-earning underachievers such as Erik Lamela, Serge Aurier and Moussa Sissoko making way – Fabio Paratici’s first transfer window in north London certainly seems like a success.
But it could have been even better.
Speaking last week, Spain international Pau Torres admitted he turned down a £46 million move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Prolific forward Sardar Azmoun, meanwhile, would later reveal Zenit St Petersburg blocked his move to the 2019 Champions League finalists.
And if things had worked out differently, the tenacious Nandez would be flanking Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a burly and belligerent midfield duo.
Why Nahitan Nandez missed out on a move to Spurs
“It must be understood that everyone has the ambition to be able to improve themselves,” admits Capozucca.
“Nandez wanted to join a top club. He had talks with Inter, Tottenham, Rome and Napoli. It’s normal he thought he could leave.
“Nandez, however, is also a spectacular boy as well as a great player and, in the end, common sense will prevail and, as demonstrated against Spezia (in a 2-2 draw in August), he was one of the best.
“He will give his all for Cagliari.”
According to La Nuovo Sardegna, Tottenham launched a bid to sign the £31 million-rated Nandez, who has also been linked with Leeds, West Ham and Arsenal, on an initial loan deal with an option-to-buy clause included in his contract.
But it’s understood Cagliari blocked the move after coming to the conclusion Nandez would be impossible to replace with so little time remaining in the transfer window.
Perhaps next transfer window?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
