Why Liverpool should take a punt on Renato Sanches
According to Mirror, Liverpool have been linked with a surprise move for Renato Sanches. The Lille midfielder is being eyed as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum whose contract is set to reach the final six months. With his future still uncertain and Barcelona interested, the Reds have had to make contingency plans for his probable exit.
Profile
Renato Sanches is a 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder who plays for Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille. A youth product of Benfica, he joined their academy in 2008. He spent two seasons in the academy before being promoted to the U-15s.
His progress kept going as he was being promoted through the age groups. In 2015, he was promoted to the Benfica ‘B’ side. However, his performances prompted the club to call him up to the senior team that season.
He went on to make 35 appearances for the senior side before Bayern Munich came calling. While everyone expected him to flourish in Germany after a great season at Benfica, it was quite the opposite. He could only gather 25 appearances across all competitions that season and was subsequently loaned out to Swansea City in the following season.
His struggles continued in England too, with Sanches not being able to reproduce his Benfica form. He managed even lesser game time, with a paltry 15 appearances to his name. After returning to Bayern, he was given his chances that season. In total, he made 53 appearances for the Bavarians, scoring twice and assisting thrice (source – Transfermarkt).
Eventually, he left on a permanent basis to Lille, where he somewhat rediscovered his old form. Last season, he featured in 40 games, scoring 5 times. The youngster is quite experienced for his national side too, with 22 appearances to date. He also won the Euro 2016 for them.
Liverpool can take a gamble on Renato Sanches
There are two phases from which we can judge Sanches’ career. The pre and post Bayern years and the Bayern years. Judging by the latter, it would seem like a huge mistake to sign him. Yet, if the former is something to go by, Sanches could be a huge signing for Liverpool. The Benfica prodigy has worked very hard after his Bayern exit to get his career back on track.
While it would seem a bit of a huge ask to fill the shoes of someone like Wijnaldum, Sanches is as close as it comes when looking at their playing style and positioning. The youngster is quite a workhorse and is capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.
He will not only add to the numbers in the middle of the park but also add to the quality. With age and potential on his side, Liverpool can benefit a lot from this deal.
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It’s rather hard to say how Sanches would fare on his return to the Premier League. But with a world-class manager and squad around him, chances are that he can flourish. This is a gamble worth taking for Liverpool as there is a high chance of this paying off.
