The youngster has been available since the start of the summer. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
With just two days to go until Manchester United kick off their 2025/2026 campaign, Alejandro Garnacho is still a member of Ruben Amorim’s squad.
While he won’t be used in the opening fixtures due to his ongoing exile from the first team, questions will start being raised in the closing stages of the transfer window if he has not secured his desired transfer to Chelsea.
It was revealed earlier this week that Garnacho’s message to the United board was along the lines of ‘it’s Chelsea or I stay here and don’t play football for 6-12 months’.
Yet, given that that’s exactly what Jadon Sancho did when he first fell out with Erik ten Hag back in September 2023, United perhaps haven’t ruled out the prospect of letting the Argentine sit in the reserves rather than jumping to cater to his wishes.
Alejandro Garnacho: The state of play this summer
Chelsea do have confirmed interest in Garnacho this summer. However, it’s thought that they are unwilling to meet United’s price tag of £50 million.
Even though the youngster’s questionable attitude has seen him fall out of favour with Amorim, it’s clear to see why the club must stand firm in their demands. At just 21 years old, Garnacho has accumulated 144 senior appearances for United, scoring 26 goals and assisting a further 22.
He has won both the League Cup and FA Cup, having a direct impact in the latter triumph by scoring the opening goal in the final against Manchester City, and is a Copa America winner with Argentina, for whom he’s earned 13 caps.
Who else was interested in Garnacho?
This morning, Samuel Luckhurst disclosed that three Champions League sides had considered making a move for the winger in recent weeks but, after doing their ‘due diligence’, opted against any pursuit.
Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur had all shortlisted Garnacho, although he would’ve rebuffed any potential approach from the Spaniards, as he is only interested in continuing in the Premier League.
