Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches hints at a summer exit
Renato Sanches could look for a transfer away from Bayern Munich in the summer after struggling to get much play time this season.
Bayern Munich have begun making plans for their future, rebuilding their squad around a core of young players who can compete in both the present and future. Though they already have some of the best young players in Europe, the Bavarians are hoping to bring in a few more young stars. There is a buzz among the Bayern fans, as the club has reportedly started negotiations for a handful of players.
However, fans will have to tone down the burden of expectations on these young players after seeing the progress Renato Sanches has made since joining the club. The Portuguese midfielder is now on the cusp of leaving Bayern after being given limited opportunities this season. Speaking to Kicker (via Sport Bild), Sanches admitted he is currently unhappy with his situation in Bavaria.
"“I’m not happy here, I work a lot, but I’m not allowed to play.“I want to play more, maybe at a different club, I have to worry about that.”"
Bayern Munich were able to beat many of Europe’s top clubs to sign Sanches in 2016. The Portugal international joined Die Roten from Benfica for a reported €35 million fee which could rise up to €80 million if some performance related clauses are met. Sanches struggled under Carlo Ancelotti in his first season, though, and didn’t get the necessary game time for his development. When he did play, his performances were underwhelming.
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The Bavarians decided to loan him out to Swansea City in 2017 to give him more playing time. This loan turned out to be disastrous, with injuries and poor form keeping him out of action for long periods of the season. There was a general feeling in Germany that Sanches had no future at Bayern and that the club would be willing to listen to offers for him. Sanches was heavily linked with a return to Benfica, while Paris Saint-Germain also made a move late in the window.
Niko Kovac had completely different plans for the Portuguese midfielder, however. The Croatian was not ready to give up on him and wanted him to stay at the club after seeing his impressive performances during Bayern’s preseason games. Kovac insisted on having patience with the young midfielder to allow him to reach his potential. The Portuguese international decided to stay at Bayern in order to repay the faith shown in him by Kovac.
Sanches started on the bench in the first month or so, but his substitute appearances were impressive. He scored his first competitive goal for Bayern against his former club in the Champions League group stage. He had a good run of games leading to the winter break, but Kovac’s decision not to rotate his starting lineup too heavily means the 21-year-old has found playing time hard to come by since December.
dark. Next. Niko Kovac must give Renato Sanches a chance
It will not be a huge surprise if Bayern listen to offers for Sanches, whose contract expires in 2021. Moreover, the Bavarians are reportedly looking for a number six in the transfer market. This move will further decrease Sanches’ gametime in Bavaria. The Portugual international needs a change of scenery to kick-start his stagnating career. PSG could be a good destination for Sanches, as the French club did try to sign him in the January transfer window.