ATHENS, GREECE - JANUARY 29: Renato Sanches of Panathinaikos FC is challenged by Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Panathinaikos FC and AS Roma at Spyros Louis on January 29, 2026 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Chelsea FC had a turbulent end to the transfer window. Having lost out on Enzo Fernández (25), who moved to Manchester City, and seen their attempts to sign AS Roma’s Manu Koné (25) and AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara (22) fall through, the London club have had to turn to less high-profile and more readily accessible players to bolster their squad.
And whilst, so far, none have really caught their eye, the Blues’ management were, for a time, particularly interested in Renato Sanches (29), according to reports from the French media outlet Foot Mercato. Having only just been released from his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, the Portuguese midfielder did indeed appear to tick many boxes – notably top-flight experience and immediate availability – in the eyes of Chelsea’s decision-makers.
However, this lead ultimately came to nothing, whilst Georginio Wijnaldum (35) was also approached. As for Sanches, who is coming off the back of a season in which he made 24 appearances for Panathinaikos, the coming days should see his future become clearer, as several clubs could soon be tempted to give him a chance.