How good is Juanlu Sánchez? Man Utd and Real Madrid want Spain star

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€15m market value 

Juanlu Sánchez burst onto the scene last season with Sevilla to establish his reputation as one of the most exciting young full-backs in Europe. After a hugely successful loan with Mirandes in the Spanish second tier, Sánchez returned to make 26 appearances for Sevilla in La Liga.

The 21-year-old also featured in all six of the Andulisian clubs Champions League fixtures and his performances earned him a call-up to the Spain squad for the Olympics in France. Sánchez scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Morocco as Spain won the gold medal and the talented right-back has been scouted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Who wants to sign Juanlu Sanchez?

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have scouted Sánchez extensively over the last few months. United signed Noussair Mazaroui this summer to provide competition to Diogo Dalot at right-back but they are actively looking to acquire talented youngsters since INEOS gained sporting control. United, however, face competition from Real Madrid with the Champions League holders known admirers of Sánchez. Dani Carvajal is entering the twilight years of his incredible career and Sánchez would represent a ready-made replacement.

The Sevilla star’s market value soared last season from just €800k to €15 million and he’s currently their second most valuable player – he’s also the sixth most valuable U21 right-back in the world. Sánchez’s contract runs until 2026 so Sevilla are in a relatively strong negotiating position but they are no longer the European force they were across the last decade.

How good is Juanlu Sanchez?

Sánchez has displayed immense promise and he’s acclimatised well to the demands of La Liga. He possesses the skills required from the modern full-back as he’s excellent in possession while he’s still improving defensively as outlined by Transfermarkt’s La Liga expert Iván Fuente.

 “He is a very brave player, who specialises as an attacking full-back with excellent dribbling skills,” Fuente said. “He’s also strong defensively with good tackling ability and he possesses good anticipation to steal the ball back. Sánchez, perhaps, lacks consistency throughout the full game and he can become disconnected but that should improve as he gains experience.” Interestingly, Sánchez can also be deployed as a right-winger and he’s frequently inverted into a centre-midfield role for Sevilla during games which increases his attractiveness to top teams with a possession-based philosophy.