Legend casts doubts over age of Bayern buy Renato Sanches

Renato Sanches: Joined Bayern Munich earlier this summer

Renato Sanches: Joined Bayern Munich earlier this summer

Bayern Munich new boy Renato Sanches may not be as young as people think and is actually 24 years old, according to quotes attributed to legendary French coach Guy Roux.

Portugal midfielder Sanches, who was also heavily linked with Manchester United,  joined the German giants earlier this summer for a €35million downpayment, though the another €45million could be paid depending on appearances and achievements with Bayern.

Doubts over his age have the teenager since he burst on to the scene, but it is only now that someone with any credence has actually backed up the claims.

Roux, who managed Auxerre over a 44-year period between 1961 and 2005, told the Spanish press the Bayern new boy may not be as young as people think.

He says he’s 18, but I think you should look at the past,” he told AS. “His date of birth was declared years after as it was never originally indicated to the registry. I can assure you that he is 23-24 years old.”

Sanches’ birth certificate is dated August 18 1997 but As backs up Roux’s claims that this was not entered for five years due to a delay thanks to the separation of his parents.