In a recent print edition, L’Equipe claimed that Barcelona are among several clubs hoping to sign LOSC Lille midfielder Renato Sanches this summer. It is understood that the Catalans could face competition from Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich in pursuit of the Portuguese midfield ace during this summer transfer window (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Sanches’ Successful Season In French Football
Sanches had an impressive campaign at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy as he produced a series of dominant displays at the heart of the Lille midfield. The 23-year-old managed to help his team win the Ligue 1 title last season when he made 29 appearances for the French side, netting one goal and grabbing four assists across all fronts. However, he was unfortunate to miss a lot of key games for Lille because of multiple injuries.
The Portugal international managed to contribute in little ways at both ends of the pitch after he averaged 0.6 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game in Ligue 1 football. He even distributed possession relatively well from midfield based on his pass success rate of 85.8% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Sanches even went on impress in the UEFA European Championships with Portugal which has raised his stock in European football. Hence, Barca would do well to fund a move to bring the Ligue 1 star to the Nou Camp ahead of the new campaign.
Will Sanches The Right Fit For The Catalans?
Sanches has a great work ethic and is capable of going on a few powerful sprints with the ball from midfield. He has proven himself to be a tidy passer of the ball and can create some promising chances for his teammates in the final third.
The 30-time Portugal international can even strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range. However, he is in dire need to add more goals to his game if he wants to be a regular starter at a top club like Barcelona.
Sanches will add a lot of energy and dynamism to Koeman’s midfield department and could offer some serious competition for Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Pedri for a regular starting place at the Nou Camp in the coming seasons.
At 23, Sanches is in for a very bright future in European football, so he could be a good fit for Barca in the long run as he has what it takes to grow into a world-class midfielder for them someday. Therefore, Koeman should think about funding a move to land Sanches before the transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.
