Renato Sanches, the Portuguese midfielder without a club since leaving Benfica, is close to signing a new contract with Getafe, though he will not be ready in time for Sunday's game against Deportivo (18:30, Coliseum). The Madrid side are chasing a free-agent reinforcement, and the Portugal international tops their list after turning down offers from Saudi Arabian football.
Denis: "he wants to try LaLiga"
Sebastian Denis, a journalist, explained that Renato Sanches wants to continue his career in European football, despite the offers he has from Arab football, and that he fancies trying LaLiga, where he has never played. The midfielder, who came through Benfica's academy, spent time at Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain without nailing down a starting role, then went out on loan to Swansea, Lille, Roma and Panathinaikos. He has never played in Spain, and at the Coliseum he could link up again with Orel Mangala and Martin Satriano, former teammates of his.
Getafe short on numbers
Getafe are not alone in the chase. Sevilla are also monitoring the midfielder. But Jose Bordalas's side need reinforcements urgently, with Noe Carrillo suspended, Zaid Romero sent off and Kiko Femenia injured among the main absences for the Deportivo match. Abdel Abqar, Christantus Uche, Juanmi and Francho Serrano remain sidelined too, according to the club's medical department, with details available on our injuries page.
The build-up to facing Depor
Getafe head into the break behind leaders Barcelona. Their last outing ended in a draw with Celta Vigo, with Martin Satriano scoring. Sunday's opponents are Deportivo. The upcoming schedule can be checked on our fixtures page, and the current table on standings.
Sanches will miss Sunday's game even if his deal is finalised this week, since he would still need to be registered and build up match fitness. Getafe hope to have the signing completed before the free-agent market window closes.
