Liverpool emerge as frontrunners in race to sign 23-year-old Ligue 1 star

Transfer News: Liverpool leading the chase for Lille’s Renato Sanches

According to transfer news from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t Mirror), Liverpool are now leading the race to sign the Lille midfielder landing Renato Sanches. However, the French club have set a €40m valuation for the 23-year-old.

Barcelona were said to be in the race for the Portuguese international. However, the Catalans are unlikely to sign the player.

Indeed, Barca are struggling with their wage-bill issues which could prevent them from bringing Sanches. As a result, Liverpool are now ahead

Can Sanches replace Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool have announced the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum. Over the years, the Dutch international was vital to Jurgen Klopp’s high-intensity system. While Wijnaldum did not always contribute with goals, he was essential in other various other aspects.

The club are yet to sign a replacement for the Dutchman. And, Sanches could be the perfect successor to Wijnaldum. The 23-year-old made a name for himself in Benfica’s academy. However, his stock dipped once he made a move to Bayern Munich in 2017. The Bundesliga club loaned him out to Swansea in 2018. The move did not help the player’s case either.

Lille signed Sanches in 2019. And, he has managed to turn his career around since. In 2020/21, Sanches won the Ligue 1 title with Les Dogues. He was then called up to Portugal’s UEFA Euro 2020 squad, where he impressed with his performances.

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Sanches has started the 2021/22 season with Lille. He played full 90 minutes in their league opener against Metz.