Pranav Nair
Manchester United and Liverpool to square off for Renato Sanches
According to Italian publication, Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t The Express), Manchester United are set to face off against Liverpool for Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches.
The 23-year-old was touted as an extremely promising talent in his younger days and even won the Golden Boy award in 2016.
He moved to Bayern Munich that summer but failed to build upon his potential in the Bundesliga. Three years including a disappointing loan spell at Swansea City later, he moved to Lille in 2019.
Sanches has since had a resurgence of sorts and made 40 appearances for Lille so far. He has scored five goals while assisting one more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
According to the report, Liverpool are in need of reinforcements given their injuries. The Merseysiders have already approached the player ahead of the January window.
United too scouted the player they were close to signing in 2016. Jose Mourinho looked to have won the race to sign him but eventually lost out to Bayern instead. The Red Devils then went on to land Paul Pogba. (h/t The Express)
Still just 23, Sanches has a number of years left in him to rediscover his best. Jurgen Klopp is the master of coaxing the best out of players and one would assume he can do the same with Sanches.
Unlocking the potential of the midfielder could mean bad news for both us and the Premier League. Both clubs are also in contention for Yves Bissouma. Liverpool signing Sanches could clear the path for us to land the Brighton star.
Whether we are really keen on Sanches or if we are just probing remains to be seen.
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Sanches is a versatile player who has drawn comparisons to Dutch legend Edgar Davids. While he is some way from meeting those expectations, his resurgence at Lille is a welcome turn of events.
