AS Roma’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Renato Sanches has had several hiccups, but the Serie A giants have finally landed their man.
The club have announced the signing of the Portuguese midfielder on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met.
Once touted as one of the finest talents in Portugal during his time at Benfica, Sanches has yet to live up to expectations – although recurring injury problems have played a part in his struggles.
He managed to find his feet in Lille which caught PSG’s eye, convincing the record Ligue 1 champions to invest €15 million into acquiring his services.
However, they were made to rue that decision not long after as Sanches struggled to repeat his impressive performances.
The former Benfica prodigy made just 27 appearances last term, and Luis Enrique’s arrival spelt the end of his troubled spell at the club.
Despite his unconvincing injury record, Roma have decided to take a chance on a player who was once regarded as a generational talent.
PSG are determined to recoup some of the €15m they paid to sign him if the 25-year-old manages to turn his career around at the Stadio Olimpico.
“I am very happy to have arrived at this great club,” Sanches said. “The club’s project won me over. I think playing for Roma is the ideal choice for me.”
Sanches becomes the second midfielder to swap Ligue 1 for Rome this summer after Houssem Aouar joined Jose Mourinho’s side from Olympique Lyon.
For a side struggling with their finances, Roma have been very active this summer, with Sanches the sixth new face to link up with the Europa League finalists.
Although most of their deals have been loan or free transfers, they will hope it is enough to help Mourinho restore the club to the Champions League places this term.
