Renato Sanches, the 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder under contract until 2027, has just returned from a season on loan with an option to buy at Benfica Lisbon. It was another mixed season due to physical issues. We are now waiting to learn his future, with Panathinaikos recently being discussed, while Trabzonspor is reportedly out of the running. Several media outlets are now reporting that a loan move to the Greek club is almost a done deal. A medical is even reportedly planned.
« News: Panathinaikos has reached a definitive agreement with Renato Sanches. The Portuguese international will be in Athens this afternoon for a medical! Rui Vitoria’s relationship with the player played a decisive role in closing the deal. It will be a dry loan. To Bola / SDNA / Novasports” »
Several media outlets agree at the same time, which is quite encouraging. Even if it’s not enough to be certain. We’ll have to wait for something concrete for that. But the time is ripe for optimism, and that’s good in a still-complicated Sanches case.
The loan without a purchase option isn’t necessarily encouraging, but it’s much better than nothing. It could open up better opportunities, including a transfer to Panathinaikos for a good price, in a year’s time. That’s if, finally, Sanches has been able to play a string of matches. For the moment, let’s wait for confirmation of this departure to Greece.
