Renato Sanches nears move to Corinthians to join former Manchester United stars
Renato Sanches, the former European wonderkid who famously helped Portugal secure the Euro 2016 title, is reportedly on the verge of reviving his career in Brazil. The 29-year-old midfielder has been a free agent since his contract with Paris Saint-Germain was terminated earlier this month, and he is now in advanced discussions to join the Brazilian side Corinthians.
A new chapter in South America
Should the deal be finalized, Sanches would join a squad featuring several high-profile players with European experience, including former Manchester United stars Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard. The move to São Paulo represents a significant shift for the midfielder, who has struggled to maintain momentum since his breakout years as a teenager.
According to reports from Foot Mercato, while Corinthians is the frontrunner, the transfer is not yet officially confirmed. Another Brazilian club is reportedly still competing for his signature, keeping the midfielder's future uncertain as he seeks a stable environment to return to regular first-team football.
From European glory to career crossroads
Sanches burst onto the global stage at Euro 2016, where he became the youngest player to ever appear in a European Championship final. His performances earned him the prestigious European Golden Boy award that same year. However, his subsequent career path proved difficult, marked by high expectations and recurring physical setbacks.
After a challenging stint at Bayern Munich, Sanches showed glimpses of his potential during three seasons with Lille. This form facilitated a move to PSG in 2022, but he struggled to secure a consistent spot in the lineup, managing only 27 appearances over four years. His recent history includes loan spells at Roma, Benfica, and Panathinaikos, where he made 24 appearances last season while battling persistent injury issues.
Overcoming personal and professional hurdles
The midfielder has been candid about his frustrations regarding his health, famously joking in 2023 that he felt as though someone had "put a curse" on him due to his frequent injuries. At 29, Sanches is now looking to move past these obstacles and find a club where he can contribute consistently.
Corinthians, currently sitting 14th in the Brazilian top flight after 28 matches, is looking to bolster its squad with experienced talent. Beyond Depay and Lingard, the team also includes former Premier League players such as Gabriel Paulista, Andre Carrillo, and Matheus Pereira. A successful move to Brazil could provide the veteran midfielder with the fresh start necessary to stabilize his professional career.
