Chelsea have reportedly pulled out of a shock deal to sign former Swansea City midfielder Renato Sanches on a free transfer.
Blues boss Xabi Alonso was believed to be keen on strengthening his midfield options on deadline day after selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City. They were seemingly in talks to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco, while Manu Kone from Roma was also a possible name touted. Both moves subsequently broke down, and French outlet Foot Mercato has claimed the Blues sought out a couple of free agent options, with Euro 2016 winner Sanches among them.
Sanches without a club after PSG release
Sanches is currently without a club having been recently released from the final year of his contract with European champions Paris Saint-Germain. The 29-year-old leaves having made just 23 league appearances for the French side, scoring two goals. His time in the French capital has been punctuated by loan spells at Roma, Benfica and Panathinaikos.
Disappointing Swansea spell
A return to the Premier League would have been considered something of a surprise, given he was widely seen as a massive disappointment during his time with Swansea City, who were still in the top flight when they signed him from Bayern Munich on loan in 2017.
Sanches would play just 12 Premier League games, and ironically his most memorable moment in a Swans shirt came in a Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where he infamously sent a pass straight into the advertising hoarding.
After Swansea's relegation that season, Sanches returned to Bayern, before joining Lille in 2019. He would stay there for three years before then joining PSG.
