Renato Sanches has endured a tumultuous career since his move to Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese was regarded as the next best thing in the summer of 2016, newly taking home the Euro 2016 Young Player of the Tournament and coveted Golden Boy award in quick succession.
As a result, there was a scramble amongst some of Europe's biggest clubs for his signature with Bayern eventually coming on top despite Manchester United running them close.
Since then, however, all the hype has transpired into disappointment with football fans tracking his progress with interest and empathy.
His debut season in Germany left a lot to be desired, struggling to string together consistent form before being loaned out to Swansea City 12 months later.
Return to Bayern Munich
The move sparked great excitement amongst Premier League supporters but they were left shocked when Sanches endured a worrying run of form and Swansea were relegated.
Injuries cut his spell in south Wales short and many wondered whether he would have get another opportunity at Bayern.
Nevertheless, that was the case and Sanches quickly began to impress throughout pre-season with a glorious performance against Paris Saint-Germain proving the highlight.
Since Bayern's summer preparations, though, news of Sanches has proven hard to come by and with the German season well underway, his position is now very clear.
Newfound struggles in Germany
Just weeks after pre-season promised a resurgence at Bayern, the 21-year-old's career is on the ropes again.
The Daily Mail have referred to him as a 'shell of the player that won the European Golden Boy award' and noted he has a 'formidable task' of breaking into the Bayern midfield.
Sanches hasn't made a single match-day squad since the start of the season and that includes a first-round German Cup game with fourth-tier team Drochtersen/Assel.
Not only that but Sanches has been struggling with a back problem that cut short his pre-season, putting a stop to that promising form of the summer.
And with players like Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara and James Rodriguez playing well, Sanches already seems to have lost his chance this season.
Bayern manager Niko Kovac has not kept his promises over game-time and Sanches has been left to watch his own team play from the stands.
What next for Sanches?
It's one of the saddest stories of a player so highly rated in his youth that just hasn't realised his potential at one of Europe's top clubs.
The only saving grace for the Portuguese is that the season is young and an opportunity could still arise.
When asked about rotation recently, Kovac noted: "I feel sorry for every individual who doesn't make the squad. But there will be a lot rotation.
"I know that the lads are disappointed, and that's as it should be."
Recent speculation has linked Sanches with a move to PSG and former club Benfica and given the start of this season, leaving Bayern could be necessary to save his career.
Do you think Sanches will ever make the breakthrough everyone expected? Have your say in the comments section below.