Juanlu Sánchez: A Central Figure in January Transfer Speculations

Last summer, Juanlu Sánchez was at the center of one of the most talked-about transfer sagas. For months, multiple clubs expressed interest in acquiring his services, with Napoli emerging as the primary contender and seemingly his only viable destination. Antonio Cordón acknowledged on Radio Sevilla, “I think he was quite taken with them.” However, Napoli never met Sevilla’s demand of 20 million euros, a sum that Wolverhampton Wanderers appeared willing to pay. Consequently, discussions between Napoli and Sevilla faltered, leaving the 22-year-old player in Nervión.

According to journalist Juan José Ponce from Estadio Deportivo, Bayer Leverkusen and Everton are now considering Juanlu for the upcoming winter transfer window, based on information from sources close to the player. The English side, which is transitioning central defender Jake O’Brien into a full-back role, had inquired about Juanlu during the summer. Meanwhile, the Germans are looking to bolster their right flank due to Lucas Vázquez’s ongoing physical issues, having tested young Arthur and wingers like Jonas Hofmann and Ernest Poku. It is worth noting that in August, they paid nearly 30 million euros to Sevilla for Loïc Badé.

Besides Bayer Leverkusen and Everton, Napoli is likely to remain in contention for Juanlu, as they have yet to find a replacement for Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Unless there are unexpected developments, the Italians will likely continue their strategy of patience, fully aware of Sevilla’s financial needs. Sevilla must generate approximately 10 million euros in capital gains before June 30, especially if they plan to engage in the January transfer market. Hence, they will want to maximize their chances of securing a figure close to the 20 million they have been requesting for the Olympic champion.

Juanlu’s performance with Sevilla has declined compared to last season, but he has managed to maintain his market value at 15 million euros on the specialized website Transfermarkt. So far this season, he has played 16 matches, 13 of them as a starter, contributing one assist. The return to a five-defender setup, where Matías Almeyda occasionally positions Carmona as a third central defender, has benefitted Montequinto’s wing-back, who is gradually regaining his form, as evidenced in his performance at the Santiago Bernabéu.