Chelsea explored surprise move for Renato Sanches as free agent this summer

Chelsea reportedly weighed up a free-agent move for former Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Renato Sanches during the summer window, but ultimately decided against it.

  • Club: Chelsea
  • Player: Renato Sanches
  • Status: Free agent (no club)
  • Background: Chelsea explored signing the 29-year-old Portuguese midfielder

Deal details

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Chelsea considered Sanches after failing to secure other midfield targets. Following Andrey Santos' departure to Manchester United, the Blues signed Jordan Henderson to bolster their engine room, but they still sought a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who joined Manchester City on deadline day.

The West London club had targeted Lamine Camara or Manu Kone as options to fill that void and reportedly came close to signing the Monaco star, but Ligue 1 side Monaco blocked his departure at the last minute. After missing out on their primary targets, Chelsea explored free agent options and held talks over Georginio Wijnaldum, but he joined Al-Ittihad.

Reports claim Alonso's side added Sanches to their shortlist, but ultimately decided not to make a move, keeping faith in their current options.

Why Chelsea passed on Sanches

Sanches rose to prominence with Portugal during Euro 2016, helping his country win the tournament. He was once considered among the best young midfielders in the world but has failed to fulfill his potential. Following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, he remains without a club.

Though a box-to-box midfielder by trade, Sanches can also operate as a defensive midfielder. Having previously played for Swansea City, he has experience of English football. Despite that, a move to Chelsea would have been a surprise, and the club opted to stick with their current midfielders.

Talking points

  • Would Sanches have solved Chelsea's need for a more progressive passer in midfield after Fernandez's exit? His career has stuttered, but on a free, the risk was limited.
  • With Caicedo injured and Lavia's fitness history, could Chelsea's refusal to sign a deputy backfire in the gruelling winter period?
  • Why did Monaco block Manu Kone's move so late? And if Chelsea were willing to pay for him, were they put off by the price tag?
  • Are Chelsea right to trust in Reece James and Malo Gusto as makeshift central midfielders, or is that a sign of squad imbalance?

What happens next

Chelsea now rely on Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, and Jordan Henderson as their specialist deeper midfield options. With Caicedo sidelined and Lavia's fitness under scrutiny, Alonso will hope Essugo stays fit this term. Sanches remains a free agent and can still be signed as a free agent until the next transfer window.

Frequently asked questions

Did Chelsea sign Renato Sanches this summer?

No, Chelsea explored signing Sanches as a free agent but ultimately decided against a move.

Why did Chelsea want to sign Renato Sanches?

Chelsea needed a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who joined Manchester City on deadline day, and they considered Sanches after missing out on other targets.

Which other midfielders did Chelsea consider?

Chelsea reportedly wanted Lamine Camara or Manu Kone, and also held talks with Georginio Wijnaldum.

Filed under: Transfer News | LA Premier League Home