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Renato Sanches could be the ideal replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum

Swansea City fans were surely somewhat puzzled by what they saw of Portugal at Euro 2020, more specifically by the performances of Renato Sanches. While Fernando Santos’ side were eliminated at the last 16 stage by Belgium, Sanches impressed throughout the tournament, sparkling in games against Hungary, Germany and France.

This is the same Renato Sanches who flopped in a loan spell at Swansea City three seasons ago. Billed as one of the most exciting young players in his position, the midfielder failed to make much of an impression in the Premier League and swiftly returned to Bayern Munich, where he was eventually moved on at a reported loss of €20m.

A lot has changed since then. Sanches has revived his career at Lille, driving the club to the Ligue 1 title this season. He carried this form into Euro 2020, giving Portugal another dimension through the centre of the pitch. The former Golden Boy winner is finally fulfilling the potential he demonstrated as a teenager at Benfica.

Renato Sanches looks ready to take the next step in his career. If he is on the move this summer, Liverpool should be interested, especially as Arsenal have already been linked. They need a new central midfielder after the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum at the end of last season and Sanches has proved he could be the perfect replacement for the Dutchman.

Only in Wijnaldum’s absence will his contribution to the Anfield side become truly apparent. Indeed, the 30-year-old often went overlooked during his time at Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp always recognised what he offered. The Reds will find it difficult to fill the void he has left behind by swapping Merseyside for Paris Saint-Germain.

“It was difficult for all of us [to see Wijnaldum leave] because of how much this astonishing person means to the group,” Klopp said after the midfielder’s move to PSG was confirmed. “He’s been a big part of our lives for so long. There is nothing I won’t miss about him. I will miss the player he is like crazy – highest-quality ability, one of the smartest players I have ever had the privilege to coach. His contribution was off the scale, a manager’s dream.”

Wijnaldum showed a different side of his game with his performances for the Netherlands at Euro 2020, deployed in a position closer to goal. Klopp predominately used the 30-year-old in a deeper role where he could offer the energy to supplement the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Renato Sanches would split the difference between these two approaches. The 23-year-old is capable of both influencing things further forward and holding his position closer to the halfway line. The way he played for Portugal this month demonstrated this. Sanches is the archetypal modern central midfielder in the way he can do it all.

Liverpool find themselves at a juncture in the Klopp era. After winning the Champions League and Premier League titles in back-to-back seasons, there is a sense the Reds are now nearing the end of a cycle. Squad replenishment and rejuvenation will be required to keep the Anfield club at the top of the English and European game.

The signing of Renato Sanches this summer would help them achieve this. The 23-year-old could be moulded in whichever way Klopp wants. In that sense, he is a similar sort of player to Wijnaldum, whose skill set has allowed him to be something different to a number of different teams and managers over the course of his career. If Liverpool are in the market for a replacement, Sanches could be as close as they are likely to get.

 


 

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