The move hinges on the future of Gini Wijnaldum
Liverpool are weighing up a move for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches, should Gini Wijnaldum leave in January, according to French outlet Le 10 Sport.
Sanches’ last stint in England was an ill-fated spell on loan at Swansea City, where his most notable contribution was passing the ball straight out of play during a League Cup tie against Chelsea.
But since then the Portugal international has kicked on to become one of the best players in Ligue 1. His form last season earned him a place in L’Equipe’s team of the season, and he has continued his form into this season, with Lille top of the league after 14 games.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is said to be an admirer of Sanches and believes his profile would suit Liverpool’s midfield well.
Any deal appears to hinge on the future of Gini Wijnaldum, whose contract at Anfield expires at the end of the 2020/21 season. The Dutchman will be free to speak to other clubs come January and there is a belief that Liverpool might look to sell him in thw winter window in order to avoid losing him on a free in the summer. Should he leave, Sanches is seen as a potential long term successor to Wijnaldum.
Barcelona – more specifically Ronald Koeman – expressed interest in Wijnaldum last summer, and could try to sign him again, though the Spanish club’s financial situation means they have very little money to spend and need to offload some players before bringing any in.
Lille will want to keep hold of their star man as they fight to secure Champions League qualification, but a financial crisis looms for many of France’s clubs following the collapse of a deal with Telefoot Chaine.
The broadcasting company was launched four months ago but news recently broke that it will be shutting down, which is certain to have significant financial implications for French clubs who relied on the TV deal to fund their wage bills.
