In a recent tweet, journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter revealed that LOSC Lille midfielder Renato Sanches could join Liverpool this summer. Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha has also claimed in a recent print edition that the Reds have agreed on a Є35m fee to secure the services of the Portuguese midfielder before the transfer deadline later this month (transcripted and translated by paisleygates.com).
Sanches’ Encouraging Season At Stade Pierre-Mauroy
It was a successful campaign for Sanches with Lille recently after he helped them secure the Ligue 1 title by putting in some eye-catching displays for them over the past 12 months. The 23-year-old participated in 29 matches for the French club last season, finding the back of the net once and securing four assists across all fronts.
The Lisboa-born midfield ace did a little bit of everything in terms of his midfield contributions as he averaged 0.6 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in the French first division. He even distributed the ball relatively well based on his pass success rate of 85.8% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Sanches has proven himself to be a key asset in Lille’s squad and has the potential to become a world-class player in his position someday which makes him a decent option for the Reds to pursue during this summer transfer window.
What Will The Portugal International Bring To Merseyside?
Sanches is a moderately-paced midfielder who can make some powerful sprints with the ball from midfield. He can strike the ball with power from long range and is usually quite creative with his passing. The Portugal international also works hard to help his teammates out on the defensive end of the pitch. However, he needs to add a few more goals and assists to his game if he wants to taste more success at the highest level.
Recruiting Sanches will fill in a big hole in Liverpool’s squad that was left by Georginio Wijnaldum, who joined Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer. The Lille star will also offer something different to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield as he will bring plenty of energy and dynamism to Anfield if the Reds can get a deal over the line for him in this off-season.
At 23, Sanches is in for a very bright future in European football, so he could be a clever acquisition for the Merseyside giants before the start of the new season. He is good enough to rival Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones for a place in Liverpool’s first XI. Plus, Sanches could help Klopp cope with injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion better in the coming seasons.
