Juventus could miss out on signing Cagliari’s Nahitan Nandez in the final days of the January transfer window despite advanced talks between the clubs. Per Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Sardinians are playing hardball on the Uruguayan’s loan move to Turin as they insist on some conditions to be met.
Juventus are on the cusp of signing outgoing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Dennis Zakaria, but they are equally keen on landing Nandez to reinforce their Serie A top-four bid. The Bianconeri are ready to let Brazilian starlet Kaio Jorge move to Cagliari on a six-month loan to soften the Sardinians’ stance on their utility man.
However, while the Islanders are willing to sanction Nandez’s temporary switch to the Allianz Stadium with an option to buy, there is still a catch that could see the deal collapse at the 11th hour. Cagliari owe Boca Juniors a cut of the sell-on fee after snapping up Nandez in 2019.
Therefore, Juventus will have to either raise their initial bid or walk away. The record-time Italian champions are about to sever ties with Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, with both players edging closer to joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan (via Evening Standard).
The duo’s imminent departure for the Premier League will free up another slot in the midfield, with Juventus identifying Nandez as the perfect go-to option to fill the void. The 26-year-old has been one of Cagliari’s most consistent performers over the past couple of years despite covering a multitude of roles at Sardegna Arena.
His tactical prowess and versatility, coupled with a devastating pace and pinpoint crossing, allow Nandez to play on the wing and in more advanced positions. However, he is equally well versed in covering more conservative roles, such as a defensive midfielder, which could make him invaluable to Massimiliano Allegri’s set-up.
But time is ticking for Juventus. And if they are to avoid the situation Inter experienced with Nandez back in 2021, they better step up their efforts now.