Lisbon, August 6, 2024 – In a significant move, Renato Sanches returns to Benfica on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with an option to buy. The 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder is set to rejoin the club where he first made a name for himself, bringing his experience and skills back to the Primeira Liga.
A Homecoming for Sanches
Renato Sanches began his professional career at SL Benfica, making his debut for the first team in October 2015. During the 2015/2016 season, Sanches quickly became a key player, helping Benfica secure both the Primeira Liga and the Taça da Liga titles. His performances earned him the Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player and the prestigious Golden Boy award.
A Journey Through Europe’s Top Leagues
In July 2016, Bayern Munich signed Renato Sanches for an initial fee of €35 million, making it the highest fee at the time for a Portuguese player moving from the Primeira Liga. During his time at Bayern, Sanches made 53 appearances and won numerous titles, including the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal. He also had a loan spell at Swansea City during the 2017/2018 season.
Sanches moved to Lille in August 2019 for €20 million, becoming the French club’s most expensive signing. His time at Lille was highlighted by winning the 2020/2021 Ligue 1 title and the Trophée des Champions. In 2022, he transferred to PSG for €10 million. Last season, Sanches was loaned to AS Roma, where he made 12 appearances and scored 1 goal.
International Success
Renato Sanches has also been a prominent figure for the Portugal national team. He was first called up in March 2016 at the age of 18 and played a crucial role in Portugal’s UEFA Euro 2016 victory. Notably, he scored an equaliser against Poland in the quarter-finals, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the knockout phase of a European Championship. He was also named the Young Player of the Tournament.
Stats and Achievements
Throughout his career, Sanches has accumulated an impressive list of titles:
- UEFA European Championship: 2016
- Primeira Liga: 2015/2016
- Bundesliga: 2016/2017, 2018/2019
- DFB Pokal: 2018/2019
- UEFA Nations League: 2018/2019
- Ligue 1: 2020/2021, 2022/2023
- Trophée des Champions: 2021/2022
A New Chapter at Benfica
Returning to Benfica, Sanches will join forces with a talented squad that includes veteran players like Sílvia Rebelo and rising stars such as Beatriz Nogueira. His experience in Europe’s top leagues is expected to provide a significant boost to the team.
Renato Sanches’ return to Benfica is more than just a loan move; it’s a homecoming for a player who has achieved so much since his departure. Benfica fans will be eager to see how his return will impact the team’s performance in the coming season.
This move is seen as a strategic step for both the player and the club. Benfica aims to leverage Sanches’ experience and skills to compete at the highest level, while Sanches looks to reignite his career at the club where it all began.
With the option to buy included in the deal, both parties have left the door open for a potentially permanent reunion, making this a story to watch in the upcoming season.
