Manchester City have become the latest club to join the chase for Renato Sanches, who could leave Lille in January if reasonable offers arrive for the midfielder.
According to Fichajes, the race to sign Renato Sanches is picking up steam with Manchester City, the latest side to join the chase for the midfielder. Barcelona and Liverpool are among others who are eager to bring the Portuguese international in the winter window.
Renato Sanches has reignited his career after a few years of difficult decisions and a torrid time being a Bayern Munich player. Since moving to France with LOSC Lille, the Portuguese midfielder has helped Les Dogues win the Ligue 1 title. His performances have put him firmly in the market for yet another big move, possibly in the upcoming January window.
Lille invested a decent sum to acquire Sanches from Bayern and would be eager to recoup the sum as well as make a decent profit if he moves on. The Portuguese midfielder’s contract lasts until 2023, and the French club realise selling him in January would be the best chance to extract a reasonable value.
Several clubs are angling a move for the midfielder, with Arsenal supposedly showing early interest. It is quite unsure if Mikel Arteta might be keen to pay a hefty sum for the player in January as he is prioritising signing a striker before bringing someone else into the club. Still, if an opportunity arises, the Gunners might make an approach.
Then there is the reported interest from Liverpool, who have been searching for a midfielder for some time. Stylistically, Sanches can slot into Jurgen Klopp’s system and become a useful addition for the club’s long-term future. Despite have many options at his disposal currently, there seems to be a need to add another midfielder for the Liverpool boss, and Sanches might fit the bill.
Newcastle have made enquiries and are reportedly prepared to offer him a bumper salary package to rival other clubs. In contrast, the traditional big clubs may not offer absurd wages to lure him, although they can certainly deliver a healthy challenge to further his career.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are the latest team to make their interest known. Pep Guardiola might change things up in midfield and possibly eye the Portuguese star to join some of his compatriots. Sanches is a good attack-minded midfielder and should be able to slot in well at the Etihad.
The presence of Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias could also become a telling factor to attract Sanches into joining Manchester City. And after failing to establish himself at a big club such as Bayern Munich before, it could be the next best opportunity to reignite his career at the top level.
Barcelona are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation of the midfielder. New manager Xavi might like the player, although the finances mentioned to make the deal happen could be problematic for Barcelona. The Catalans are in no position to make financial commitments towards a player, which leaves them behind Liverpool and Manchester City in pursuit of Sanches.
A move in January could be a possibility, although it will depend upon Lille’s asking price. Clubs are aware; they could sign him on a knocked down price next summer when Sanches will have just a year left on his deal, and it remains to be seen if he joins a Premier League club in Liverpool or Manchester City or makes his way to Barcelona instead.
