This is the debate facing one of Leeds United’s reported transfer targets? Does he go all-in on a January transfer or Elland Road, or stay put and scribe his name amongst the legends of his current employers?
That is the question Alvyn Sanches must answer.
The question put to him by Stephane Henchoz, the former Liverpool, Celtic and Blackburn Rovers defender wasting little time after the Leeds-linked winger opened up on his plans to leave Switzerland behind.
Sanches, by his own admission, is keen to join what he describes as an ‘intermediate club’. To put it simply, a side willing to offer him a shot in a more high-profile competition before selling him on again for a profit.
That is the role Leeds United played in the rise of Raphinha – now wearing the armband at Barcelona – and the role they may yet play in the careers of Wilfried Gnonto, Mateo Joseph and co.
But, considering that Lausanne Sport have not won the Swiss Super Lig since 1964, you can understand why Henchoz is ready to move heaven and earth to retain Sanches’ services until the summer.
The INEOS-ran Lausanee Sport are only one point off the top, and dreaming of glory again after a 60-year barren spell.
Lausanne Sport desperate to keep Alvyn Sanches from Leeds United
“We will do everything to keep him,” Henchoz, who earned 72 caps for Switzerland while winning the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup with Liverpool, tells Blue Win. “[We must] convince him of the relevance of our sporting project.
“Alvyn will, of course, leave us to play in a major league [in the future]. But is doing it in January rather than June the most sensible thing?
“Wouldn’t he want to engrave his name among the club’s legends if we achieve something great this spring?”
According to reports, Lausanne Sport are likely to demand around £3.5 million. There is certainly a limit to how much they could hold out for, with Sanches’ contract expiring in around 18 months’ time.
Henchoz would not confirm or deny if that £3.5 million report is accurate. He does, however, say that he is ‘optimistic’ of retaining an attacking midfielder who has contributed nine goals and three assists to the cause this term.
“We will only give him away at a fair price,” Henchoz adds. “It is possible that a club will make an offer in January that could meet Alvyn’s expectations and ours.
“But I am optimistic. Alvyn has, deep down, the desire to finish the season with us.”
Leeds may need a number ten and Sanches possesses ‘enormous creativity’
There is a feeling that Leeds are a little short of options in the number ten role at present. Brenden Aaronson was outstanding in Leeds’ thrashing of Oxford United on Saturday – the American scored one and made one in a 4-0 win – but there is a lack of genuine alternatives with Joel Piroe struggling to exert an influence in a deeper role when he has been trialled there by Daniel Farke.
Sanches, then, would potentially fill a rare hole in an otherwise very complete Whites squad.
“He is a player who has enormous creativity coupled with a good finishing rate,” Sascha Stauch, who coached Sanches for Switzerland’s Under 21 side, tells Blue Win. “He also understands how football works.
“[Sanches is] reserved and rather introverted. He doesn’t talk much but, when he does say something, it’s good things. He seems modest, but knows exactly what he wants. If he maintains this drive, he will give us a lot of joy.”
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