Bayern Munich make U-turn on Renato Sanches decision

German giants Bayern Munich have reportedly made a U-turn on their decision to loan Renato Sanches for the upcoming campaign. The Portugal international joined the Bavarian giants from Benfica last summer while turning down interest from Manchester United. However, his maiden season at the Allianz Arena was not fruitful as he managed just six league starts – playing second fiddle to the likes of Xabi Alonso and Arturo Vidal.

According to Milanlive.it h/t Premium Sport, the Bundesliga holders have had a change of thought on the player’s situation, and they are prepared to stick with him for the 2017/18 season. AC Milan were apparently leading the race for the Euro 2016 winner last month with the club said to have tabled a €50m bid. The offer included an initial €10m to take Sanches on loan with the obligation to buy in one or two seasons for €40m.

Apart from Milan, Manchester United and Chelsea were the other clubs credited with an interest in the former Benfica man, but they will have to look elsewhere in order to strengthen their respective midfields. The move does come as a surprise owing to the arrivals of Sebastian Rudy and Corentin Tolisso this summer, but Ancelotti is prepared to stick with additional competition.

Bayern have won the Bundesliga for five seasons on the trot and there is a sense of disintegration within the squad after having lost five of their six pre-season outings. Despite this, they managed to clinch the DFL Supercup following a penalty shootout win over close rivals Borussia Dortmund. The likes of Xabi Alonso and Philipp Lahm called quits on their professional careers at the end of the previous campaign, and there could be further transition at Bayern in the coming year with both Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery having entered the last year of their contracts.

Image – Getty