Bayern Munich would have struggled to sign Renato Sanches after Euro 2016 says Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted that his side would have struggled to complete the signing of teenage midfielder Renato Sanches after the Euro 2016. He was a part of the Portugal squad that defeated hosts France 1-0 to clinch the European championship on 10 July.

He left Benfica and agreed to join the Bundesliga champions on a €35m (£29.3m, $38.6m) deal in May. Before he signed for the German giants, the 18-year-old was attracting interest from Manchester United.

Sanches revealed the Red Devils were keen on securing his services, but decided against joining them this summer. The midfielder played a key role in the knockout stages of the Euros and scored the equaliser in Portugal's 1-1 draw against Poland, which they went on to win on penalties.

His form for Portugal in France saw him bag the Young Player of The Tournament award. Rummenigge has expressed his delight after Bayern were "brave enough" to pay €35m in order to bring him to the Allianz Arena.

"Was I surprised by Renato Sanches' performances at Euro 2016? Yes and no," Rummenigge told Soester Anzeiger, as quoted by Goal.com.

"It's extraordinary when someone plays at the Euros like he did at the tender age of 18. I was nowhere near that level at the age of 18. But then again, he does seem to have extraordinary talents.

"We are happy that we made the decision to sign him quite early, after the Champions League quarter-final tie against Benfica. And we are very happy that we had the courage to spend big on him in April because €35million is a lot of money.

"Bayern would not have been able to afford him had we tried to sign him after the Euros. We would be talking about crazy money now. And he would definitely not be playing in the Bundesliga next term then."