Harry Winks is poised to return to Italian football, with the Leicester City midfielder on the verge of sealing a permanent switch to Cagliari. According to Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the two clubs have already reached an agreement regarding the 30-year-old’s transfer for the 2026-27 campaign. The deal represents a significant step forward from initial talks first reported by Alfredo Pedullà two weeks ago.
Replacing Gaetano in Midfield
Cagliari have identified Winks as the successor to Gianluca Gaetano, who was announced as a new Atalanta player earlier this week. The Sardinian club moved quickly to secure a replacement, viewing the former Tottenham trainee as an ideal fit for their midfield requirements. The Rossoblu secured their Serie A status with one match remaining in the 2025-26 season and are now strengthening their squad ahead of the new term.
The transfer offers Winks an immediate return to top-flight football following Leicester’s relegation to the English third tier last season. The 30-year-old previously experienced Italian football during the 2022-23 campaign, when he made 20 appearances for Sampdoria while on loan from Spurs. That spell provided him with valuable experience of the tactical demands and physical intensity of Serie A.
Career Background and Impact
Winks joined Leicester in 2023 after progressing through the Tottenham academy and establishing himself as a first-team regular in North London. Across his time with Spurs, he accumulated 150 Premier League appearances and scored twice, earning England recognition before his departure. His move to the East Midlands was intended to rejuvenate his career, but the club’s struggles resulted in an unexpected relegation to League One.
The central midfielder’s familiarity with the Italian game should aid his integration into the Cagliari squad. With the Sardinians aiming to build upon their survival this season, Winks brings both international experience and previous Serie A knowledge to a midfield requiring reinforcement after Gaetano’s exit.
An official announcement is expected once the remaining formalities between the parties are completed.