After a solid start to the 2018-19 season Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches is rumored to be a transfer target for Italian giants Juventus.
Renato Sanches has enjoyed a mini-redemption at Bayern Munich this season. The 21-year-old’s club form has translated to his international play as well. He came on for Portugal in the second half against Scotland and assisted his team’s third goal. The penny has finally dropped for Sanches, who looks ready to kickstart his career after a terrible two-year spell.
Sanches’ impressive performances this season have apparently caught the eye of some of Europe’s big clubs. According to a report from Rai Sport (via Calciomercato), Juventus are hoping to sign the Portuguese youngster next summer. The club’s sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is ready to use his strong relationship with Sanches’ agent, Jorge Mendes, to bring the 21-year-old to Turin.
After an impressive six months for Benfica’s first team in the ’15-16 season, Sanches attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe. Bayern Munich moved swiftly, however, and agreed a fee with Benfica in April 2016 to acquire Sanches’ services.
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Renato joined Bayern in the summer after playing a pivotal role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph. He was the 2016 Golden Boy award due to the impressive start to his professional career.
His first season in Bavaria, though, didn’t go as planned. He struggled to break into the starting lineup under Carlo Ancelotti and never impressed the Italian manager in his limited opportunities. He ended the debut season at his new club without a single goal or assist.
There were murmurs throughout the German media claiming that Bayern regretted signing the young midfielder. They were reportedly trying to offload Sanches after signing Sebastian Rudy from Hoffenheim. However, the Bavarians instead opted to send him out on loan in hopes that it could help his career get back on track. He eventually joined Swansea City, but his struggles persisted at the Welsh club as injuries and poor form often kept him out of the starting lineup.
Niko Kovac has been a keen admirer of Sanches since joining Bayern, and made sure the club did not sell him over the summer. Sanches has repaid his manager’s faith by delivering good performances in his limited opportunities. He will now be looking to push for more regular gametime and establish himself as a key player for the Bavarians.
Paris Saint-Germain also showed interest in Sanches during the summer window. The French club is reportedly still keeping tabs on the young midfielder. Bayern might hand him a new contract, though, if he continues to impress this season, leaving Juventus and PSG with no chance of signing the 21-year-old.