Xabi Alonso calls Renato Sanches a 'promising' addition for Bayern Munich

Xabi Alonso has told ESPN FC that he hopes he and new Bayern Munich signing Renato Sanches can learn from each other.

In May, Bayern completed the signing of midfielder Sanches from Benfica for an initial €35 million.

Sanches, 18, has been tipped for a bright future and he impressed for Portugal on their route to glory at Euro 2016 this summer.

Bundesliga champions Bayern have also added defender Mats Hummels to their squad, with the defender re-signing for the club from Borussia Dortmund.

In an interview with Rafa Honigstein, Alonso said: "So far I think [the club has made] great additions. First, Mats Hummels, he knows ... the Bundesliga. He knows the club, he knows the teammates. For him, it's not going to be a problem to get used to the new club.

"For Renato, it's a different story. He's 18, 19 [in August], he's such a promising player. So far he's European champions with Portugal. He has so much power, so much energy.

Renato Sanches

 

"He's hungry to win things, to improve and I'm looking forward to working with him and to be able to share the midfield and to play together."

Asked if he could pass on some of his knowledge to Sanches, the 34-year-old Alonso said: "Well, I don't know. Maybe I'm able to learn some things from him as well."

Former Spain international Alonso also said he would provide new coach Carlo Ancelotti with any support he required heading into the new season, after the Italian succeeded Pep Guardiola at the helm this summer.

Alonso, who played for Ancelotti at Real Madrid, said: "We have just been together for a few days. Of course many of the teammates are still missing. But for sure because we worked together in Madrid as well, we know from our time from each other, we have that very good relationship."