Paul Robinson: Nahitan Nandez won’t be back-up for Leeds United at £30m+
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson suggests if Leeds United are going to splash the cash on a new central midfielder it has to be for someone who can play with Kalvin Phillips.
Leeds have been strongly linked with Cagliari and Uruguay midfielder Nahitan Nandez in recent weeks.
Unione Sarda has recently reported that Nandez, 25, is ready to quit Cagliari in order to move to Leeds, who are willing to shatter their transfer record to land the midfielder in a deal worth £30.9million.
If Leeds do go ahead and sign a new central midfielder then Robinson wants to see them be versatile enough to do a number of roles in the side.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “It’s an important position.
“We’ve talked a lot about having a plan B for Kalvin Phillips. When Ben White was there, he was the plan B because he could play there.
“They’ve struggled when Phillips hasn’t played, their record without him isn’t great.
“Whether they can play a different way or find another player to play in his place when he doesn’t, it’s important to bolster the squad.
“Leeds are going to have a good window and I think they will spend heavily.
“It’s not a direct replacement for Phillips but it’s somebody who can play in the midfield instead of him or higher up.
“You don’t want to spend that sort of money on a player who plays when Phillips doesn’t.
“He needs to be versatile across the whole midfield.”
Luckily for Robinson, Nandez has shown he’s versatile at Cagliari, playing in a central midfield position while also being played out on the right and left [transfermarkt].
Nandez can also play in an attacking midfield role so if he is signed, he probably wouldn’t be a replacement for Phillips when he’s unavailable but someone who can start alongside the England international.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are closing in on two new signings.