Chelsea are set to sell Alejandro Garnacho this summer, less than a year after his £40 million move from Manchester United, new head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed. The 22-year-old winger has not reported for pre-season as the club works on his exit behind the scenes.
Interest from Europe and Saudi Arabia
Garnacho has attracted interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia. According to football.london, an agreement is close, with Chelsea hoping to bank around £42 million. Manchester United inserted a 10 percent sell-on clause in the deal, meaning they stand to profit from his departure.
Alonso Confirms Talks
When asked about Garnacho's situation on Monday, Alonso said: "Well the situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors. There is an interest for him from other clubs. So let's see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for other clubs."
Underwhelming Spell at Chelsea
Garnacho's time at Chelsea has been brief and underwhelming. He scored just eight goals last season, with only one in the Premier League, and was largely used as a rotation option, struggling to stand out in a crowded attacking department.
Fallout at Manchester United
Before his move, Garnacho had shown flashes of quality at United but fell out with the hierarchy and lost his place under Ruben Amorim. He was benched for the Europa League final and reacted angrily on social media, later posting photos of himself in an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford's name on the back. His desire to leave became obvious, and United were happy to let him go.
Butt's Scathing Assessment
Former United midfielder Nicky Butt, who oversaw the club's academy, delivered a scathing assessment of Garnacho. "I thought he had an edge about him," Butt told The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast. "And when he got into the first team - I will just say what I think because I was there - he got above his station way too quick. He got superstar status way too quick." Butt added: "Someone in that club or team at the time should have been swatting him down, and they might have been, and he ignored them. But the best thing United did was sell him because, forget his ability, and I don't think he is that great anyway, but I thought his attitude was a disgrace when he was at United."
Financial Boost for United
The situation is one United will monitor closely, with a potential sale offering them a useful boost towards their summer transfer spending.
