FC Barcelona and Liverpool are in the market for quality players to bolster their squads. For both sides in the current transfer window, cheap is the word. Both teams have shown an interest in Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches. It initially looked like a straight battle between the two clubs, but Tottenham have thrown their hat in the ring, as per Transfer Market Web.
Sanches is the object of attention due to his fantastic display at Euro 2020, and Spurs’ interest is serious. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the Portuguese, who had difficulties early on in his career.
A troubled start
After his breakout season at Benfica in 2015, it’s been topsy-turvy for the young Portuguese.
Bayern Munich signed Sanches for an initial fee of €35 million. At the time, it was the highest for a Portuguese player playing in the Primeira Liga.
He had a rough time at the Allianz Arena, finding games hard to come by as he tried to bulldoze his way into a midfield packed to the rafters with experienced players.
Sanches was eventually loaned out to Swansea City to gain a little experience, but that didn’t work out. Amidst a few opportunities and injuries, Lille became his next port of call.
At Lille, he managed four goals in 42 matches helping the French side to the league title ahead of favourites PSG.
Even if his performances at Lille went unnoticed, his strong display at Euro 2020 certainly reminded the world of what he could do, turning the eyes of Barcelona, Liverpool, and now Tottenham Hotspurs.
Barcelona’s requirements
Barcelona are in a spot where it has to get some players off its books but also needs to shore up the team.
The cost implications aside, Renato’s powerful play and drive is something that Barcelona could benefit immensely from at the moment. It is no surprise they are interested in the Portuguese as well.
They have made some smart deals so far this summer, and Sanches would come as a wise addition.
Liverpool also need a Wijnaldum replacement.
With the departure of Wijnaldum, Liverpool has a hole in the middle to fill, and Sanches looks adequate. The odds heavily favour Sanches in making an impact at Anfield and it is no surprise they are interested in him. At 23, he has many years ahead of him and also Premiership experience at Swansea puts him in good stead.
Klopp likes his side playing with intensity, and if he succeeds in snagging Sanches, he would have made a good investment.
Tottenham may be undecided
Tottenham are in no real need of a midfielder at the moment, but quality depth is something they can’t ignore. With Harry Winks future uncertain and Moussa Sissoko approaching the twilight of his career, a young, dynamic midfielder would not be an awful decision.
With recent reports suggesting Lille is amid financial woes, they would be akin to cashing in on the young Portuguese.
It is no longer a question of if, but where Sanches would end up playing in the coming season. Will it be Barcelona, Liverpool or Tottenham? Time will tell.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
