Rudy Galetti reports that Liverpool are very interested in Renato Sanches, who is reportedly valued at €40m.
The Portugual international acquitted himself well at the Euro 2022 tournament this summer and has earned himself some new admirers.
He joined his compatriots after winning Ligue 1 with Lille and now seems likely to take the next step in his career and he could be on his way back to the Premier League.
Rudy Galetti makes Liverpool claim
The Reds are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign the 23-year-old and he would be the perfect player to replace Georginio Wijnaldum.
LILLE, FRANCE – OCTOBER 18: Renato Sanches of Lille OSC during the Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC and RC Lens at Stade Pierre Mauroy on October 18, 2020 in Lille, France. (Photo by Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)
Galetti previously reported via Twitter that Liverpool are in pole position to sign the Portuguese.
He now claims: “Liverpool remain very interested in [Renato Sanches.
“However, as of now, no offer has been formalized yet. [It is an] evolving situation.”
The journalist reported at the start of July that he is valued at €40million.
€40million for Sanches is a dream deal
Regular readers of mine will know that since March I have wanted to see Liverpool sign Yves Bissouma but as we were exclusively told in May, his signature will cost the Reds in the region of £50million.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Yves Bissouma of Brighton and Hove Albion celebrates following the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City at American Express Community Stadium on May 18, 2021 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
That asking price turned Liverpool off to a deal to sign him but £40million (£34.1m) for Sanches would be one of the best deals that Michael Edwards has managed for the Reds.
The former Bayern Munich star is still only 23 and as he was able to show during the 2020/21 season, he is a natural winner and bringing him to Anfield would only further increase Klopp’s squad’s title-winning mentality.
Sanches is a lot like Georginio Wijnaldum in that he is able to break the lines as well as resist the opposition press with ease.
Injury record a concern
One major concern that Liverpool will when considering a deal to sign him will be his injury history which includes a number of niggling problems.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – JUNE 23: Renato Sanches of Portugal warms up prior to during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Portugal and France at Puskas Arena on June 23, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Angel Martinez – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
During the 20/21 season, he suffered five injuries, three in the 19/20 campaign, just one in 18/19 and another four in 17/18.
Those four years saw him miss a total of 57 games and if Liverpool are unsure they can get him into the right shape, signing him could be a major risk.
As I wrote earlier today, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be aware that the 2021/22 season will be make or break for them at Liverpool and the club could be concerned about adding an injury-prone player like Sanches to the mix.
