Liverpool have set their sights on Athletic Club's Oihan Sancet as a midfield reinforcement for the upcoming season, according to reports from Anfield Index. The 24-year-old Spanish international has impressed in La Liga and is seen as a potential long-term addition to Arne Slot's squad.
KEY FACTS
- Player: Oihan Sancet
- Club: Athletic Club (La Liga)
- Transfer Fee: Undisclosed (estimated €60-70m)
- Status: Ongoing / Rumored
Transfer Overview
Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Athletic Club midfielder Oihan Sancet as a potential midfield signing. Sources at Anfield Index indicate the Reds have scouted the player extensively during the 2024-25 La Liga campaign. Sancet's versatility and goal-scoring ability from midfield have caught the attention of Liverpool's recruitment team. No formal bid has been made yet, but discussions are said to be at an early stage.
Deal Details
While no specific fee has been disclosed, Athletic Club are known for demanding high release clauses for their key players. Sancet's contract runs until 2028, giving the Basque club significant bargaining power. Estimates place his market value around €60-70 million. Liverpool are expected to negotiate cautiously, with the summer transfer window providing ample time for talks. The player is reportedly open to a move but wants to ensure regular playing time.
Player Analysis
Oihan Sancet is a creative central midfielder who can also play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing. In the 2024-25 season, he scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for Athletic Club. He ranks among the top midfielders in La Liga for progressive passes and shot-creating actions. His physicality (6'2") and technical ability make him a strong fit for the Premier League. Liverpool's midfield currently lacks a player with his direct goal threat from deep positions.
Club Strategy Impact
This pursuit aligns with Liverpool's strategy of targeting young, high-potential players from European leagues. Sancet's addition would provide depth behind Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, and offer a different option with his aerial ability and late runs into the box. The move also reflects a shift towards younger midfielders after the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. Athletic Club's policy of only fielding Basque players makes any transfer complicated, but Sancet's quality could tempt them to negotiate a record fee.
What Happens Next
Liverpool are expected to make a formal approach in the coming weeks. The main obstacles are Athletic Club's reluctance to sell and the potential transfer fee. Sancet has a release clause of around €75m, which Liverpool may be unwilling to trigger. Negotiations could center on a structured payment plan. The player's preference for regular first-team football could be a decisive factor. Expect updates throughout the summer as the transfer window progresses.
| Player | From | To | Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oihan Sancet | Athletic Club | Liverpool | Undisclosed (est. €60-70m) | Ongoing / Rumored |