Liverpool are reportedly lining up a £30million bid for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches this summer. The Reds view the Portugal international as a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, who departed the club when his contract expired last month.
Sanches has resurrected his career after a failed stint at Bayern Munich. The 23-year-old was instrumental in Lille’s shock run to the Ligue 1 title and has attracted the attention of several European giants. He also shone for Portugal at Euro 2020, pulling the strings in midfield.
Liverpool are also eyeing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Florian Neuhaus as Jürgen Klopp looks to bolster his midfield ahead of a title challenge this coming season. But Sanches has emerged as the Merseyside outfit’s top priority.
The Reds, however, could face competition for the Portuguese’s services, with Arsenal also pushing for a move as per L’Equipe.
Can Renato Sanches spark Liverpool’s title challenge?
A return to the Premier League with Liverpool would provide Sanches with the opportunity to make amends for his woeful loan spell with Swansea City in 2017-18. The former Golden Boy managed only 15 appearances for Swansea as he struggled to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.
However, he has since taken his game up a notch. Sanches will add plenty of energy and flair to Liverpool’s ageing midfield. Jürgen Klopp likes to play quick, aggressive football, and Sanches fits the bill.
🚨 NEW: Liverpool are very interested in Renato Sanches. #awlive [@lequipe] pic.twitter.com/7hdNMTo5Og
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) July 3, 2021
A speedy and agile dribbler, he has the ability to move the ball quickly up the field during counter-attacks and midfield transitions.
His technical ability and strength make him a hard player to dispossess in the middle of the park. He is clever in possession and can carve defences open with quick passes, which will prove particularly useful in breaking down teams employing a low block.
Defensively, he is a tireless runner, adept at winning back possession and breaking up opposition attacks. Moreover, at just 23, Sanches’ peak years are still in front of him.
Liverpool are currently woefully short on midfield options. James Milner is nearing the twilight of his career, while Naby Keita has struggled to make any sort of impact since his arrival in 2018 and could be shipped out.
With Thiago failing to live up to expectations following his move from Bayern Munich and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain plagued by injuries, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are realistically Liverpool’s only reliable options in midfield.
Sanches’ arrival could certainly breathe new life into a side that failed spectacularly in their title defence last season.