Paris Saint-Germain closing in on €15 million deal to sign Lille's Renato Sanches

Paris Saint-Germain are close to completing a deal to sign Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches from Lille, according to L’Equipe. The former Benfica and Bayern Munich man will join for €15 million.

PSG have agreed personal terms with the player, and he will sign a long-term contract with the club.

Les Parisiens have been keen to sign the player but saw Lille rebuff their first two offers for the player. The player had also grown tired of waiting for PSG and was considering other options. PSG’s offers to Lille involved a loan with an obligation to buy, but Lille demanded an outright sale. Both clubs have now found common ground for the deal to go through.

Sanches was a top target for AC Milan, who are looking to replace the power and drive of Franck Kessie in their midfield, but the player has been waiting for PSG. Lille are looking to sell the player beacuse he in the final year of his contract and has no intention of renewing.

The 24-year-old has a working relationship with former boss Christophe Galtier under whom he won the 2020/21 Ligue 1 title, and Luis Campos. The Portuguese director brought him to Lille for 25 million, making him their record purchase.

With Gini Wijnaldum off to AS Roma to join Jose Mourinho, Sanches will take his spot in midfield. The Parisian club is negotiating with Everton to return Idrissa Gueye to the Premier League club too.

Sanches made 31 appearances for Lille last season in a disappointing title defence. He scored one goal and assisted five more. 

Sanches is one of the most progressive players in Europe. He is in the 98th percentile for progressive passes and 96th for progressive carries. That kind of drive is what PSG needs around Marco Verratti.

Sanches will be PSG’s fourth signing this summer after Vitinha, Nordi Mukiele, and Hugo Ekitike.