- The Interest Thus Far-
Previous reports had stated that Liverpool were interested in Bayern Munich star midfielder Renato Sanches. The young sensation impressed heavily as he played an integral part in the Euro 2016 triumph with his national side Portugal, but has not been able to find the same form while playing for the Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich. The 20 year old midfielder had made a huge impression on the world but failed to deliver after a big money move to the Allianz Arena. Sanches made just 25 appearances for the Bavarian outfit last season with most of them coming off the bench as he was unable to affect any play from his central position.
Sanches surprisingly wasn’t able to notch up even one goal or assist throughout the 2016-17 campaign. Having joined from Benfica one season before, top European clubs were ready to secure services for Sanches.
The Reds were still keen on bringing him to Anfield, with AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Chelsea and Manchester United all potential suitors.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s side were at that point the most favorites because of Coutinho leaving the Merseyside outfit. Sanches was said to be a potential replacement for the Brazilian star, who eventually was sold to Barca.
The Reds had already turned down three offers form the La Liga giants and rejected their latest bid worth £138m, clearly stating that the 25 year old isn’t for sale.
With constant pressure from the Catalonian side, Coutinho had already handed in his transfer request to leave Liverpool and the deal did happen.
Sanches is a back-up option if a deal for Coutinho, though he eventually decided to join Swansea City back then.
Sanches is a versatile midfielder, who can play in attack or defense including the wide roles. He is renowned for his strength, passing ability and being composed on the ball, all factors which are required to play in the Premier League.
Does Jurgen Klopp Need Him Now?
Jurgen Klopp will be keen to ensure Liverpool’s season not threatened by Coutinho’s departure with the Reds on a 17-game unbeaten run – their longest such sequence in more than 20 years that sees them challenging in for the Premier League top four position, through to the last 16 of the Champions League and into the FA Cup fourth round. So now they are targeting Thomas Lemar as the possible replacement of Coutinho.
Liverpool showed huge interest in signing the French international on deadline day last summer but couldn’t agree on a deal with the Ligue 1 side. Klopp is an admirer of the 22-year-old attacker, who has also previously attracted interest from Arsenal.
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim this week revealed they had no intention to release Lemar this month. Now the Reds with a humongous fund could turn up with a mammoth bid. Will they bid utmost for the Monaco Midfielder? That’s the talking point of Anfield right now.
Jose Mourinho also wants this Lemar hard to bring to Manchester United, though it is claimed that Lemar wants to join Liverpool instead due to one key reason – the fact he’s been guaranteed game-time by Jurgen Klopp.
