Alejandro Garnacho has been handed another harsh verdict after a challenging start to his loan spell at Aston Villa. The Argentine joined Villa on a season-long loan from Chelsea, which includes a £43million buy-option, despite only arriving at Stamford Bridge from Manchester United in the summer of 2025.
Limited game time so far
Unai Emery is believed to have been an admirer of Garnacho for some time but is yet to hand him a Premier League start despite Villa's injury problems. Fellow new arrival Johan Manzambi only made his first start against Tottenham.
Garnacho has only played 31 minutes in the Premier League, having remained an unused substitute in both Champions League and Carabao Cup action. For the buy-option included in his loan to become permanent, he has to make a certain number of appearances, and that is already in jeopardy. It has also come to light there is no break clause in his temporary switch that would allow Chelsea to bring him back in January.
Saunders questions the move
Even if that were a possibility, it would seem unlikely given his performances last season for the Blues. Garnacho was often criticised for his work ethic, and those complaints have not dissipated since his exit, with former Villa striker Dean Saunders making his feelings clear.
He said, via Svea Casino: “If I’m being honest, I’m not a fan of Alejandro Garnarcho and his attitude. Look at what happened with him and Manchester United.
“When you look at his talent and ability, when I was playing football and we had talented players come in to train with us or sign for us, talent alone didn’t impress me. I wasn't impressed by people who can do tricks, juggle a ball and beat three men.
“I was more impressed with people who were hard to play against, like Jamie Lawrence, who I played with at Bradford. No one liked playing against Jamie. He'd run through a brick wall, tackle someone, chase back, and defend.
“Some players have nowhere near the talent of Garnacho, but I’d be more impressed with someone who turns up every week, gives a seven-out-of-10 performance, works hard defensively, and provides quality in the final third.
“We can all do tricks and skills, but that consistent work rate is what you’re getting paid for. To be honest, I was surprised Villa signed him.”
What comes next for Garnacho
There is still plenty of time for Garnacho to be a success at Villa Park, and it may have helped that he scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Southampton last week.
Emery's side return to Premier League action against Brentford later this month before facing Fenerbahce and Viking in the Champions League. They will also face Newcastle and Aston Villa in the league and Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.
