Renato Sanches may have made his senior debut for Benfica just a matter of months ago but he’s already emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe, earned comparisons with Brazilian playmaking icon Ronaldinho and picked up two caps for the Portuguese national team.
The 18-year-old, who many regard as Portuguese football’s most exciting product since Cristiano Ronaldo, has been described as an exceptionally quick box-to-box midfielder who offers athleticism, technical flair and creativity in abundance – three characteristics Manchester United are desperately lacking in midfield at the moment.
But Sanches is in no rush to force a move and Benfica reportedly value him at a whopping £47million – although his release clause is actually £13million more – so a summer transfer will set United back a significant sum.
If there’s one saving grace, however, it’s that the teenager is represented by renowned super agent Jorge Mendes, who has struck many a deal with the Old Trafford outfit throughout the years.