Liverpool have reportedly emerged as the front-runner in the race to sign LOSC Lille starlet Renato Sanches, who is set to cost around €30 million.
A recent report from El Nacional has offered an update on the future of Renato Sanches. The LOSC Lille playmaker is expected to leave the club in the January transfer window, with the Ligue 1 champions desperate for some financial injection. Barcelona had emerged as the likely destination for Sanches, but their new coach Xavi Hernandez has put an end to the club’s pursuit of the midfielder.
It has paved the way for Liverpool to emerge as the undisputed favourite in the race to sign Sanches. The player himself prefers a move to Merseyside, where he can be offered sporting stability and a better salary. Liverpool are already in advanced talks with Lille surrounding the acquisition of the Portuguese international, who has been valued at around €30 million.
A product of the SL Benfica youth academy, Sanches was one of the rising stars in Ligue 1 last season. He racked up 23 appearances for Lille, playing a vital role in helping the club leapfrog Paris Saint-Germain for the league title, in what turned out as one of the most miraculous moments in French football over the past few decades.
In light of his excellent 2020/21 campaign, the midfielder was destined for a move elsewhere in the summer. He was even courted by former Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman, but an untimely injury in mid-August ruled out the possibility of a departure. Barcelona have since opted not to retain interest in the former Bayern Munich starlet, with Xavi unsure of the player’s talents.
It has opened up the avenue for Liverpool to snap him up in the ongoing January transfer window. As iterated earlier, Lille are in desperate need of a financial injection and will be forced to sanction the sale of Renato Sanches, whose addition to Liverpool could prove to be a smart piece of investment.
Indeed, the Reds have struggled with roster issues lately, whereas their reliable midfield trifecta of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho are certainly not the youngest players in the team. Meanwhile, Naby Keita has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with West Ham United and Barcelona cited as potential destinations.
The addition of Sanches, therefore, could help Jurgen Klopp add more depth in the midfield unit. The Portuguese international bags a lot of potential and at the age of just 24, he could prove to be an excellent long-term investment for Liverpool.
