Getafe are negotiating with Renato Sanches, the 29 year old Portuguese midfielder who became a free agent after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain was terminated following a loan spell at Panathinaikos, Mundo Deportivo has learned. The player, winner of the Golden Boy award in 2016 and a European champion with Portugal that same year, has emerged as a target to strengthen Getafe's midfield.
An elite resume marked by inconsistency
Sanches has played for Benfica, Bayern Munich, who paid a significant fee for him, Lille, Swansea, Roma and Panathinaikos. He was one of Europe's most talked about young players after breaking through with the Portuguese national team, but injuries and a lack of continuity have stopped him settling at any big club. His physical strength and his experience in European competition are, according to the club, the reasons behind Getafe's interest.
Bordalas explains the need
Manager José Bordalás has explained the thinking behind the club's search for reinforcements. "Bearing in mind we will be playing in the Conference League, the squad is too short," he said. Getafe are competing in the Conference League this season alongside La Liga, adding fixtures and stretching a squad Bordalás considers thin on numbers.
The midfield is also missing Francho Serrano, one of several players currently sidelined alongside Abdel Abqar, Christantus Uche, Juanmi and Kiko Femenía. Bringing in a player of Sanches's pedigree, even on a free transfer, would add real quality to an area of the pitch that needs depth capable of handling continental football.
Where Getafe stand in the league
Getafe are 15th in La Liga with 4 points from four games, having won one, drawn one and lost two. Their last result was a 1-1 draw at home to Celta Vigo on September 7, with M. Satriano scoring in the 21st minute before C. Starfelt equalised in the 57th. The goal difference is negative, with 2 scored and 5 conceded, and the club sit 8 points behind leaders Barcelona.
The next fixture takes them to the Coliseum on Sunday, September 13 against Deportivo La Coruna, who sit sixth in the table. Supporters can check the full calendar on the fixtures page and the latest table on standings ahead of that game, while the current list of unavailable players is detailed on the injuries page.
