Renato Sanches Insists He 'Just Wants to Play' as Bit-Part Role at Bayern Munich Continues

Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches has admitted he is frustrated with his reduced role at the club, hinting that he is open to a summer move.

The 21-year-old was once regarded as one of the finest young prospects in world football after some remarkable displays for Portugal helped his country surprisingly win the European Championship in 2016.

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But Sanches' career has been somewhat of a downward curve since then, with a €35m (potentially rising to €80m) move to Bayern Munich failing to work out as expected, coupled with a disastrous loan spell at Swansea last year.

He has been a peripheral figure at Bayern this season, and Sanches has now told German publication Sport1 that a move away from the club is likely, given that he's keen to play as much as possible.

"I think so," Sanches said. "But whether a loan or a sale is better I do not know. We have one more month I'll see what's best for me It does not matter if it's in Portugal, England or Spain, I just want to play."

He continued by stating that he has no problem with manager Niko Kovac, but re-affirmed his belief that the minimal game time that he is currently receiving in Bavaria will not be enough to keep him happy, despite being at a club of Bayern's stature.

"He's the coach, I'm the player, I respect his opinion, I just work and train. Five minutes are not enough. My colleagues and my coach know that in every training I do my best to be ready when I play five or ten, or 45 or 90 minutes."

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Sanches is likely to have a number of potential suitors lining up to sign him, though he may find himself looking at a move to a club not contesting European football next campaign, given his lack of playing time this season.