Liverpool plan replace Wijnaldum with Renato Sanches for £18 million

Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum could be set to depart in the summer of 2021 when his contract at Anfield eventually expires. To compensate for the loss of their midfielder, Liverpool have identified Renato Sanches as his replacement.

Sanches currently features for Lille and is one of their best players. He was the winner of the Golden Boy Award in 2016, following an incredible breakout season in Portugal. However, he then moved to Bayern Munich and succumbed to the pressures of performing at a high level.

He was then sent out on loan to Swansea City before joining Lille last year. A slow and steady turnaround has since been in place for the midfielder, and he has managed to establish himself as a force to be meddled with in the heart of the park.

Jurgen Klopp’s team have reportedly agreed a move for the 23-year-old worth £18 million in the January transfer window. There is also a chance that it could be pushed back to June.

All things considered, Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has been incredible in the last year. They signed Diogo Jota and Thiago, the former of which has been one of the signings of the season in European football. A bargain deal for Renato Sanches could go a long way in strengthening Klopp’s midfield for the future.

A tireless worker on the pitch, the transfer actually makes sense considering Jurgen Klopp’s brand of ‘heavy metal football’ in place at Anfield. Sanches has the pace, as well as the stamina to keep on running throughout the 90 minutes and give his 100%, which is something that Klopp expects out of every player on the pitch.

On the other hand, Wijnaldum could be headed to either one of Barcelona or Inter Milan. Barca coach Ronald Koeman knows Wijnaldum from their days in the Dutch national team, and a reunion would be highly appreciated by both parties.

Should the Spaniards be unable to agree on terms with the Dutchman, Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan could be another possible solution.