Barcelona interested in 23yo Ligue 1 midfielder as Saul alternative – report – originally posted on Sportslens.com
FC Barcelona are interested in signing Renato Sancho from Lille OSC.
According to Spanish news outlet Diario AS, the Catalonian club is reportedly chasing the Portuguese’s signature to bolster their midfield.
If the reported swap deal with Atletico Madrid for Saul Niguez and Antoine Griezmann doesn’t occur, manager Ronald Koeman is looking to bring in the 23-year-old who would be the perfect midfield recruit.
Sanches is a versatile and dynamic midfielder who fits the bracket of what Koeman is looking for.
The failure to land prime target Georginio Wijnaldum meant that the Spanish giants were forced to look elsewhere.
Jorge Mendes, Sanches’ agent, could negotiate a loan deal with an obligation to buy next season, which would alleviate Barcelona’s economic situation.
The Spanish club is in a financial crisis and needs to comply with La Liga’s regulations regarding wage caps.
Lionel Messi’s new five-year contract has forced them to cut down on the wages of a few of their players, hence opting to negotiate a swap deal for their star man Antoine Griezmann.
Sanches was a crucial player in Portugal’s side at the 2020 Euros, delivering fantastic performances.
The 2016 Golden Boy winner burst onto the scene after an exceptional season with Benfica. However, a difficult stint at Bayern Munich made many people question if he could indeed fulfil his potential.
The Portuguese has rejuvenated his career at Lille, helping them win Ligue 1 last season.
Sanches was named in France Football’s best XI of the first quarter of the Ligue 1 season, alongside fellow Portugal international Jose Fonte.
The 23-year-old has the world at his feet and is finally developing into one of Europe’s finest midfielders.
If Barcelona can manage to sign him on loan, it would be a fantastic deal for both the parties involved.
Read also: Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba keen on exit.
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Author:Raj Dholakia