Carlo Ancelotti has told Sport Bild that Renato Sanches will definitely remain a Bayern Munich player next season despite him struggling to match expectations after his move from Benfica.
Bayern beat Manchester United to the signing of Sanches, 19, after he had impressed for Portugal at Euro 2016, but the midfielder has started four Bundesliga games since his €35 million move.
Sanches -- winner of the Golden Boy award and voted best young player at the European Championship -- has completed the full 90 minutes only once for Bayern, and has failed to score or provide an assist in 20 appearances for the German champions in all competitions.
However, Ancelotti said: "Renato will unquestionably 100 percent be here next season. We won't sell nor send him out on loan."
Sport Bild reported that Benfica are due another €5m from Bayern when the youngster reaches 25 appearances for the club -- which would make him Bayern's joint-record signing alongside Javi Martinez, who arrived from Atletico Bilbao.
Eventually, Sanches' fee could rise as high as €80m, with further add-ons for FIFA Team of the Year recognition or nomination for the final three of the Ballon d'Or.
Teammate Franck Ribery has encouraged Sanches to keep battling for his place in Munich, believing his situation will improve if Xabi Alonso retires. Reports in January suggested the 35-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder is set to quit playing at the end of the season.
Ribery, Bayern's second longest serving player, said: "It's been a tough year for Renato. Perhaps it will be easier for him next season, if Xabi Alonso isn't with us any longer."