Chelsea are prepared to sell Alejandro Garnacho this summer after just one season, with new manager Xabi Alonso already deciding to cut their losses. The 22-year-old winger joined from Manchester United for £40 million last summer, but his time at Stamford Bridge has not worked out.
Garnacho's Output Fails to Impress at Chelsea
Garnacho contributed eight goals and four assists in his debut campaign at Chelsea. While that level of output was acceptable when he was first breaking through at United, greater consistency is now expected. Chelsea are unlikely to recoup the £40m fee if a buyer is found this summer.
Garnacho has been linked with a move to Serie A side Roma. A transfer to Roma would represent a significant regression from representing United, according to Manchester United correspondent Steven Railston.
Three Strikes Led to United Exit
Garnacho's downfall at United began under former manager Ruben Amorim, who gave him three warnings before deciding enough was enough. The three strikes: being dropped from the squad for the Manchester derby, storming down the tunnel after being substituted against Ipswich Town, and mouthing off after the Europa League final.
Garnacho showed no remorse when completing his transfer to Chelsea. Asked if he had any regrets about how things ended at United, he replied "No" to both that question and whether he felt sad about how it finished.
Garnacho Later Admitted Regret
However, by April, Garnacho's tone had changed. "I think nothing really went wrong, you know, it's sometimes different moments in life," he said. "I remember in the last six months, I was just not playing like before at Manchester United. I started to be on the bench, it's not a bad thing, I was only 20 years old, but in my mind it was like I had to play every game. In my mind, maybe it is also on me, I started to do some bad things."
He added: "I am proud to be here [Chelsea], but with United, I have nothing wrong to say about the club, no one in the club or the teammates. It's just a moment in life that change and life continues. We have to look forward."
Garnacho's Love for United Remains
When asked if he stuck by his 'no regrets' admission, Garnacho explained: "I remember that press conference, it was my first with the club, so I knew some people were going to ask things like this to create something that I didn't want, so I just said no to close the question."
He admitted the circumstances around his exit were regrettable. "Yeah, maybe yes, because I loved that club, you know. They gave me the confidence from the start, from Spain, to bring me to the academy, then they brought me to the first team, so it was like four or five years, and amazing love from everyone, from the fans, the stadium, everything was really good."
United Better Fit for Garnacho
United were a better fit for Garnacho, and he is now facing the music. A move to Italy would be a backward step for a player who, not too long ago, backed himself to become one of the best in the Premier League. United, who were criticised for selling him at £40m, are now having the last laugh.
