Renato Sanches is currently a free agent after PSG terminated his contract on September 1.
Renato Sanches has been contacted by Chelsea regarding a shocking Premier League comeback – after the transfer window had already closed.
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The Portuguese has been a free agent since September 1, when PSG terminated his contract to allow him to find a new club. The 29-year-old midfielder spent last season on loan at Greek side Panathinaikos, and was considered redundant when he returned to Luis Enrique’s side.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea were one of the clubs that showed interest in signing Sanches as a free agent – and Xabi Alonso reportedly contacted him personally.
However, after further consideration, Alonso chose not to strengthen the squad further. However, the situation could change in January if Sanches is still clubless. Chelsea have registered a 20-man Premier League squad, but can expand without restrictions if they wish.
Why Chelsea contacted Sanches
Alonso and Sanches were teammates at Bayern Munich – back when the Portuguese was considered one of the world’s greatest talents. Sanches had an unsuccessful loan spell in the Premier League with Swansea in 2017/18, and has since played for Lille, Roma and Benfica.
Chelsea were left with a hole in their midfield on deadline day, after Enzo Fernández was sold to Manchester City for the staggering sum of £125 million.
The club agreed to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco as a replacement, but the Ligue 1 club withdrew from the deal to focus on selling Folarin Balogun to Everton. When that transfer went down the drain, Chelsea didn’t have time to complete the Camara transfer – and he will remain at Monaco until at least January.
Wijnaldum also relevant – but close to Saudi deal
Foot Mercato previously reported that Chelsea also made contact with Georginio Wijnaldum, another free agent. The former Liverpool player has been without a club since leaving Saudi Arabian Al Ettifaq in June.
Wijnaldum, 36, would fit perfectly into Alonso’s squad in terms of experience – Chelsea have already signed experienced Danny Welbeck (35) and Jordan Henderson (36) this summer.
But Wijnaldum is now said to be close to a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad on an initial one-year contract.
Chelsea’s midfield options
While Chelsea may be missing one player in midfield, they still have several strong options.
Alonso started with a two-man midfield in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, with Reece James alongside Romeo Lavia.
Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson are out injured, while summer newcomer Valentín Barco could also play centrally – in addition to left-back.
Caicedo missed the opening win against Fulham due to injury, and was only substituted for 14 minutes against Brighton before he had to go off again in pain.
“We are talking about assessing the risk,” Alonso said before the Arsenal game.
“Last week we probably took him out too early. I don’t want to do that again.
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