In a recent tweet, Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida revealed that Liverpool are close to signing LOSC Lille midfielder Renato Sanches for €35m this summer. Almeida claimed that a transfer between the two clubs is ‘almost done’ with the Portuguese player expected to join the Reds soon.
https://twitter.com/pedrogva6/status/1411372892349161472
Sanches’ Impressive Season In French Football
Sanches had a great season with Lille in French football as he put in several impressive displays to help them win the Ligue 1 title. However, the Portugal international missed a lot of key games because of multiple injuries which will be a cause for concern for any of his potential suitors, including the Reds.
The 23-year-old participated in 29 matches for the French outfit in the previous campaign, registering one goal and four assists on all fronts. Sanches did a little bit of everything with his performances in midfield after he averaged 0.6 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game in the previous Ligue 1 campaign. He took care of the ball relatively well when distributing it in the opposition half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 85.8% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Sanches has still got two years remaining in his Lille contract but joining Jurgen Klopp’s revolution at Anfield might be too tempting for the player to turn down this summer. Therefore, it makes sense for the Reds to get him board before the start of the new campaign.
What Will The Portugal International Add To Klopp’s Side?
Sanches has got an excellent work-ethic and can make a few powerful runs with the ball towards the opponent’s penalty box. He can keep possession moving at the centre of the park without breaking a sweat and can set up some decent opportunities for others around him. The 30-time Portugal international can even strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range and has got a good leap in him that helps him win some important aerial duels for his team.
However, Sanches needs to figure out a way to improve his productivity in both halves. At least, he has now got the winning mindset to excel playing in Klopp’s system at the Merseyside club. We can expect the Lille star to add plenty of energy and dynamism to the Liverpool midfield and offer some healthy competition for Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Naby Keita for a regular starting place at Anfield next season.
With all things considered, the Reds would be wise to get a deal done for Sanches as he could turn out to be a shrewd acquisition for them in the long run. At 23, Sanches is yet to enter his prime, so Klopp might fancy getting the best out of the player if he can seal a move for him in this off-season.
