Big things were expected of Renato Sanches when he broke onto the scene at Benfica. Sanches never quite lived up to the hype after a big-money move to Bayern Munich, but can the Portugal international find his feet at Roma?
Will the Portuguese Flourish in Italy?
Sanches is only 26, but he has already played for some of Europe’s top clubs, including Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain. He also had a stint in the Premier League with Swansea City in the 2017-18 campaign. It was a disastrous season for the Swans, as they were relegated to the EFL Championship. Swansea are still fighting to get out of the league, and the Welsh side are priced at 11/1 in the English Championship betting to win promotion this term.
Sanches was signed to be a regular at Bayern, with the German giants paying £60 million for his services. However, after an unsuccessful loan spell at Swansea, he moved on to Lille before making the switch to Paris. At the start of this campaign, the midfielder was loaned to Roma for the season.
His time in the Italian capital has been a frustrating one so far, with injuries holding him back. The Portuguese recently recovered from a muscle injury, returning to action in the thumping 7-0 win over Empoli in mid-September. However, he was back on the injury table just days later and has missed the Giallorossi’s last four games.
Jose Mourinho didn’t miss the chance to remind everyone of his Roma achievements despite their start to the season 😅 pic.twitter.com/AMHSmQlN2d
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 29, 2023
Roma ran riot in the Empoli win, picking up a memorable 7-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico. Sanches was among the scorers, netting his first goal since scoring for PSG last November. The Roma fans have only seen glimpses of Sanches’ ability, but the early signs have been positive.
When Sanches is 100% fit and firing on all cylinders, Roma could have a real player on their hands. The Portugal star has played in the world’s best leagues and is already vastly experienced.
He has been a league title winner in Portugal, Germany, and France. Sanches was part of the Lille side that famously won the 2021-22 Ligue 1 campaign, which subsequently earned him a move to PSG.
Sanches also featured for Portugal in UEFA Euro 2016, helping his nation to glory in France. He played in the group games against Iceland and Hungary and played in every knockout fixture. Sanches scored and netted a penalty in the shootout in Portugal’s quarter-final win over Poland.
Can Sanches Be an Asset to Roma?
With more European commitments this term, the 2023-24 season could be another busy one for Giallorossi. Jose Mourinho will need to rotate his team, and Sanches could play a big part domestically and in Europe.
Jose Mourinho | Press Conference 📸 pic.twitter.com/rhuY70Hg6z
— J (@MourinhoPics) October 4, 2023
He made his European debut for Roma in the UEFA Europa League against Sheriff in September. However, he was subbed off after 28 minutes in the 2-1 win with a thigh muscle injury. Sanchez should make a return in October.
If he can stay fit at the Olimpico, Sanches could become a real hit with the Roma fans. 2024 is set to be a big year for Roma and Sanches, as Mourinho’s men look to go far in Europe once again and finish in the top four of Serie A.
