Renato Sanches isn’t leaving Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed on Thursday that Renato Sanches will not be sold this summer. This is what he had to say:

If he goes, it will only be for a one-year loan. We are still convinced he can be a good player for Bayern. ... I had a long conversation with Renato in Singapore to know his thoughts. He doesn't want to go, but he wants to play.

The statement comes as the first tidbit of clarity on the future of the Bayern youngster, who was signed for an eye-popping €35m in the summer of 2016. Back then, Bayern beat out several continental rivals to the Portuguese lad’s signature, including English giants Manchester United, who were reportedly front-runners in the race.

After a stellar European campaign alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sanches won the European Golden Boy award. However, this string of successes was followed up by a disappointing first season in Munich. The 19-year-old midfielder made only made 25 appearances for the German club, notching up a mere 903 minutes of playing time in the process.

He has been linked with a move away from the Bavarians all summer, with former suitors Manchester United and a resurgent AC Milan in the mix. Just yesterday, a report from French newspaper L’Equipe stated that Milan were ready to offer up to €40m for the youngster’s transfer. AC Milan CEO Marco Fassone came out Thursday to refute the rumors:

At this moment there are no negotiations. Our rapport with [Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge is very good. We've discussed the situation a couple of times, but at this moment they have a valuation of the player that we are not prepared to match.

Well, that does it then. Renato Sanches isn’t leaving Bayern just yet.