Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a surprise move for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches as a possible replacement for Gini Wijnaldum.
As reported by French publication Le10Sport, the Reds are monitoring Sanches’ Ligue 1 performances as the club prepares for the possibility of a future without Wijnaldum, whose contract heads steadfastly towards its conclusion.
It is claimed the 23-year-old could be fast-tracked into the forefront of Jurgen Klopp’s transfer plans in January, should the Premier League champions be unable to agree on a contract extension with their current Dutch midfielder.
Barcelona are thought to be the main protagonists behind a move for Wijnaldum, who will be available on a free in the summer and can discuss a deal with European clubs in January.
Sanches has experienced a rather dubious trajectory in his short but eventful career to date. Having had spells at the dizzy heights of Bayern Munich and Portugal, with whom he has won the Bundesliga and Euro 2016 respectively, he also had a less than impressive period at Swansea City.
At Lille, however, the midfielder – who has played with current Reds star Diogo Jota for Portugal – seems to have found a home and as such has attracted the interest of Klopp. This season, Sanches has played eight times in Ligue 1, scoring once.
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This is yet another ‘ideal replacement’ linked with filling the rather considerable void potentially left by Wijnadlum next summer.
That said, Sanches does possess the physical attributes to be a successful Liverpool player in the current style as an all-action midfielder with bags of energy, although his questionable injury record may deter Anfield officials.
Valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, Klopp was linked with a move for the 22 cap international in 2017 – then touted as a Philippe Coutinho replacement – making a renewed interest at an affordable price a greater possibility.
