Uruguayan midfielder Juan Manuel Sanabria celebrates the second goal of his team against Colombia during an Under-23 South American Pre-Olympic Tournament football match at Alfonso Lopez stadium, Bucaramanga, Colombia on February 9, 2020. (Photo by Juan BARRETO / AFP) (Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)
According to AS (h/t Mirror), Liverpool made an attempt to sign Juan Manuel Sanabria from Atletico Madrid. However, the player had his heart set on Atletico Madrid as he looks to make his way into the first team under Diego Simeone.
Juan Sanabria is a 20-year-old Uruguayan midfielder who plays for Atletico Madrid B. He is a youth product of Club Nacional de Florida in Uruguay. In 2018, he was signed by Atletico and drafted to their U-19 side.
The following season, he was promoted to the B team. He impressed the club hierarchy with his performances in the 23 appearances he made last season, scoring 3 goals and providing one assist (source – Transfermarkt).
The Uruguayan is primarily a central midfielder but can also slot in as a defensive midfielder if required. He was recently called up to the first-team for the game versus Celta Vigo. However, he did not end up coming off the bench. The midfielder is also a part of the Uruguay youth sides, making a total of 55 appearances across all youth levels.
Liverpool have one of the most industrious midfields in football. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum run their socks off throughout the 90 minutes, not giving a second of time to the opposition. Add to that the newest signing of Thiago Alcantara and you have the creativity that was missing. That results in an all round midfield, capable of taking on anyone.
Then why pursue Sanabria? It’s Simple. For the future. At 20, he is highly unlikely to displace any of the aforementioned players. Some of Liverpool’s players are ageing, which is not to say they are finished. But signing someone and grooming them to be a successor is a logical thought process.
With Simeone looking to fast-track the player into the first-team, it should tell you all about his talents. Only the most hardworking players make the cut under the explosive Argentine.
He is a genuine talent and can be nurtured into someone in the ilk of Wijnaldum. A good long-term solution for the Merseyside club, they should try to sign him as soon as the chance arises.
