Sanches has resurrected his career after a failed stint at Bayern Munich. The 23-year-old was instrumental in Lille’s shock run to the Ligue 1 title and has attracted the attention of several European giants. He also shone for Portugal at Euro 2020, pulling the strings in midfield.
However, the Portuguese international blossomed from the Fulham youth academy, made his first debut with Fulham in the 2020-21 season. During that period, he scored an amazing 12 goals and contributed 7 assists in 38 appearances. His fine form helped the team to gain promotion to the English premier league and also won the Championship with Fulham.
Liverpool are also eyeing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Florian Neuhaus as Jürgen Klopp looks to bolster his midfield ahead of a title challenge this coming season. But Sanches has emerged as the Merseyside outfit’s top priority.
The 21 – year-old is believed to be heading towards the exit door after refusing to sign a new contract. With his current deal expiring next summer, Porto are said to be open to offloading the midfielder for a fee significantly below his €30m (£26m) buyout clause.
Vieira’s representative Marcelo Cipriano is said to be working with Pini Zahavi as an intermediary, with the Israeli super-agent having already received some enquiries from English clubs.
Arsenal have been linked with the Portuguese Under 21 international over the past six months, so they are likely to be one of his suitors, but journalist Bruno Andrade claims Liverpool are also among the leading contenders.
With Porto interested in signing Marko Grujic on a permanent basis following a loan spell, it could present the Reds with an opportunity to include the Serbian in a swap deal for Vieira, but we shall see how this story develops.
