---
title: "Liverpool eyeing Renato Sanches as possible Gini Wijnaldum replacement"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-eyeing-renato-sanches-as-wijnaldum-replacement/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2020-12-16T19:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-12-16T19:00:00Z"
---

# Liverpool eyeing Renato Sanches as possible Gini Wijnaldum replacement

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/12/16/didnt-go-down-well-robertson-reveals-why-he-once-wore-chelsea-shirt/) are reportedly eyeing a surprise move for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches as a possible replacement for [Gini Wijnaldum](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/12/11/gini-wijnaldum-named-as-barcelonas-favourite-target/).

As reported by French publication [Le10Sport](https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-losc-liverpool-pense-a-renato-sanches-529908?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter), 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.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/georginio-wijnaldum/profil/spieler/49499)

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](https://www.goal.com/en/news/wijnaldum-liverpool-contract-barcelona-speculation/qczijy9ggae61qozjb2j876xf) 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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/renato-sanches/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/258027) 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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/renato-sanches/erfolge/spieler/258027) respectively, he also had a [less than impressive period](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/exactly-how-renato-sanches-became-14659072) at Swansea City.

At Lille, however, the midfielder – who has [played with current Reds star Diogo Jota](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/renato-sanches/gemeinsameSpiele/spieler/258027/gegner/340950/kriterium/2/wettbewerb//liga/0/verein/3300) 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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/renato-sanches/leistungsdaten/spieler/258027), scoring once.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

This is yet another ‘ideal replacement’ linked with filling the rather [considerable void potentially left](https://smarterscout.com/articles/premier-league-liverpool-georginio-wijnaldum-barcelona-frenkie-de-jong-jordan-henderson-alex-oxlade-chamberlain-naby-keita) by Wijnadlum next summer.

That said, Sanches does [possess the physical attributes](https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/noblmd34-renato-sanches-all-you-need-to-know-new-bayern-starlet.jsp) to be a successful Liverpool player in the current style as an all-action midfielder with bags of energy, although his [questionable injury record](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/renato-sanches/verletzungen/spieler/258027) may deter Anfield officials.

Valued at £18m by [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/renato-sanches/marktwertverlauf/spieler/258027), Klopp was [linked with a move for the 22 cap international](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-renato-sanches-coutinho-transfer-10905374) in 2017 – then touted as a Philippe Coutinho replacement – making a renewed interest at an affordable price a greater possibility.