Liverpool have received a boost in the race to sign Renato Sanches this summer as Barcelona will reportedly need to fold due to financial constraints.
The Reds have returned to pre-season and while Jurgen Klopp has several of his key players still on holiday due to summer commitments, he has a good group to work with.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and new boy Ibrahima Konate have all reported for duty.
UNSPECIFIED, AUSTRIA – JULY 12:Virgil van Dijk during a training session on July 12, 2021 in UNSPECIFIED, Austria. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
While the grunt work for the 2021/22 Premier League season is underway, moves are being made behind the scenes to recruit new players.
Liverpool have financial upperhand for Sanches
According to French outlet Le10Sport, Barcelona have shown the most interest in signing Sanches but they are simply not in a financial position to recruit him.
Lionel Messi’s contract demands are virtually bankrupting the Catalonians and so long as they promise him the huge wages they are offering, their options this summer will be limited.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have one of the most balanced wage bills in the world. It’s certainly not a cheap one but it’s realistic and it keeps the entire squad happy.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Sadio Mane of Liverpool (C) celebrates with teammates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool (L) and Roberto Firmino of Liverpool (R) after scoring their 1st goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City at Anfield on October 5, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Their favourable financial situation puts them in a position that could see them beat Barca to Sanches this summer but it’s unclear if they will.
Saul chatter increases
Liverpool have been heavily linked with Saul this last week and so it currently seems as though it’s a toss-up between Sanches and the Spaniard.
The Reds need a new central midfielder and both players would be great for Jurgen Klopp even if they have very different styles.
Saul is ready-made, has great Champions League experience and would offer his tenacious tackling and safe passing to Klopp.
Atletico Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Saul Niguez shoots to score a goal during the Spanish League football match between Espanyol and Atletico Madrid at the Cornella-El Prat stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on March 1, 2020. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sanches, on the other hand, is less experienced, a lot more ‘green’ but is the far more exciting option.
His performances at the EUROs proved how far he has come since being devastated by the English media during his time in the Premier League.
