Alejandro Garnacho's loan move to Aston Villa is not going to plan, with the former Manchester United winger failing to make an impact since his £40 million switch from Old Trafford. The Argentine signed a season-long loan deal at Villa Park to secure more regular game time, but he has featured off the bench just three times for Unai Emery's side so far this season.
Loan deal in doubt
Garnacho has been an unused substitute for the last three games in all competitions, including the third round Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City. The loan move from Chelsea includes an option to make the deal permanent in the summer for a £43 million fee. According to the Daily Mail, it would become an obligation if targets are hit, but that now looks unlikely.
Garnacho has the chance to impress his manager with Villa playing two behind-closed-doors friendlies during the international break. The report says that he scored the only goal of the game in one of those matches against Southampton this week.
Emery's message
Following the win over Coventry, Emery told Garnacho what he should do to win a place in the team: "Continue working. Work, work, train, work. When he can have minutes to play, try to play well." He added: "He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now."
If Garnacho fails to impress Emery, then he could find himself stuck at Villa, as it is reported that there is no break clause in the loan deal between the club and Chelsea.
What next for the winger?
The 22-year-old has stuttered since completing a £40 million move from United to Chelsea just over a year ago. As part of the deal, United included a sell-on clause, meaning that they will be due a small windfall should Chelsea sell him.
The fact that the permanent deal to Villa now looks unlikely means that the Blues are likely to be on the lookout for other potentially interested clubs. It is claimed that La Liga teams are already keeping an eye on the situation.
Speaking after joining Villa, Garnacho outlined what he wanted from the transfer: "I was looking for a club to get confidence and to try to be the player I was in my first years at United. I spoke with the manager and I think he will give me the confidence to be here and to help the team." The former United man will hope that those words come true over the next few months.
