Chelsea considered a late move for free-agent midfielder Renato Sanches after their attempts to replace Enzo Fernandez broke down, but ultimately decided against signing the Portugal international.
The 29-year-old became available after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and was assessed as a possible short-term solution following Fernandez’s £125 million transfer to Manchester City.
Chelsea had been pursuing midfield reinforcements before the transfer window closed, with moves for Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Roma’s Manu Koné failing to materialise. The club also looked at Georginio Wijnaldum, who later joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
Chelsea considered Renato Sanches move
Foot Mercato reported that Sanches appealed to Chelsea because of his experience at the highest level, his immediate availability and the fact that he would not require a transfer fee.
However, the interest did not progress to formal negotiations. The Sun reported that Chelsea seriously weighed up the former Bayern Munich midfielder but concluded that his injury record and recent form made the deal too uncertain.
Sanches had been released from the final year of his PSG contract after another difficult spell in France. His recent career has also included loan periods with Roma, Benfica and Panathinaikos.
The midfielder has shown flashes of the ability that earned him the Golden Boy award in 2016, but persistent fitness problems have limited his consistency and restricted his involvement in recent seasons.
That made the decision particularly important for Chelsea, who had already lost Fernandez and failed to secure a replacement before the deadline. Rather than add another player whose availability could not be guaranteed, the club chose to continue with the midfield options already at Xabi Alonso’s disposal.
Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Reece James and Malo Gusto are among those capable of operating centrally, while Chelsea will have the opportunity to reassess their options when the transfer window reopens in January.
