Liverpool are seriously considering Lille midfielder Renato Sanches as one of two possible replacements if Georginio Wijnaldum leaves Anfield at the end of the season, according to reports.
The Portuguese international and Brighton’s Yves Bissouma are believed to be potential summer transfer targets as Liverpool scour Europe for players who could fill the void left by Wijnaldum.
Sanches had an ill-fated loan spell at Swansea a few years ago and, combined with his poor fitness record, it has led to some fans on Twitter to oppose the potential move:
Unfortunately his hamstrings are made of custard
— Dylan Hudson ?? (@TheLFCDylan) January 15, 2021
Sanches has found his level in Ligue 1…
keep him their ?— nomad@XXX (@nomad56060053) January 15, 2021
Ligue 1 level keeps getting weaker, ex-players be flopping everywhere. Renato is injury prone, and he lacks offensive impact and the creativity we need
— MaxBet (@Money_Timer) January 15, 2021
1 goal and assist this season, so productive
Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne are trembling with fear.— Shakir Shomick (@ShakirSH35dv5e7) January 15, 2021
Another midfielder who struggles to make a difference in the final third. Man City and Man utd laugh at our midfield with their zero productivity whilst De Bruyne and Fernandes get 30+ goals and assists themselves.
— Shakir Shomick (@ShakirSH35dv5e7) January 15, 2021
We need Aouar and I have spoken.
— SamNikeng (@SamNikeng) January 15, 2021
I really don't like idea to add Renato, he is inconsistent and injury prone but why people compare him attacking midfielders like Bruno and KDB? We need replacement for Gini who isn't playmaker he's more game controller which is more deeper role than KDB or Bruno plays
— Aleko Zoidze (@aleko_zoidze) January 15, 2021
The 23-year-old has certainly rebuilt his reputation since leaving Bayern Munich for Lille eighteen months ago but he does have issues with injuries, having already missed 12 games this season with muscular problems.
Liverpool will likely be hesitant as they won’t want another Naby Keita on their hands but it does seem like Sanches is in the frame as a surprise candidate to replace Wijnaldum for next season.
