Alejandro Garnacho hits new low as manager ‘contacts’ ex-Man United star for surprise deal
A rival manager has reportedly approached Alejandro Garnacho directly in the hope of giving the former Manchester United winger a way out of Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
Reports suggest that a rival manager has directly approached Alejandro Garnacho, making this summer a crucial turning point for him. However, that’s not necessarily what the Argentina international envisioned for Manchester United a year after joining Chelsea.
Garnacho, 21, was apparently considered a disruptive presence in the United changing room before his Old Trafford exit. The winger spoke out against Ruben Amorim after being dropped by his former boss towards the end of that chapter, joining the Blues in a £40 million switch last summer.
And after struggling for success under Liam Rosenier, Argentine broadcaster TyC reports that he is now a target for River Plate. Manager Eduardo Codet is reportedly so interested in luring the player away that he has personally reached out.
It has been suggested that River Plate are interested in signing Garnacho on a one-year loan, which Chelsea could be open to. A temporary deal would provide Garnacho with the opportunity to regain his best form outside the intense spotlight of the Premier League.
The youngster has eight caps for Argentina and was part of Lionel Scaloni’s squad when they won the 2024 Copa America. However, Garnacho, born and raised in Madrid, has never lived in the country and qualified through his mother.
Garnacho was left out in the cold by former United manager Ruben Amorim before being sold. (Photo: Qin Zicheng/VCG via Getty Images)
It is a dismal example of where its prospects stand today. Enzo Maresca was in charge at Stamford Bridge when Garnacho moved to west London last year and appeared to be a big fan of the Italian.
However, Rosenier has not benched Garnacho in his Premier League commitments early on. The winger’s biggest impact this season has come in cup competitions, including a brace off the bench during the 3-2 League Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal.
His output in league play hasn’t been outstanding, with one goal and four assists in 20 appearances this season. Garnacho is contracted at Chelsea until the summer of 2032, however, leaving plenty of time to resurrect his profile to its former heights.
The downside is that the Blues once again leave themselves at risk of paying off a depreciating asset over incredibly long terms. Garnacho is among the higher average earners at Stamford Bridge on wages of £110,000-a-week, although that is still a major hurdle for River Plate.
As such, Chelsea would be expected to cover at least a significant portion of the player’s salary while he was on loan. Additionally, Garnacho has previously commented on the fact that his family supports Boca Juniors, one of River Plate’s toughest names.
It is unlikely that Los Millonarios will be able to compete for Garnacho’s signature on any permanent terms unless Chelsea suffer a major loss. United are also interested in the player who would increase his value, provided he is entitled to 10 per cent of any future fees Chelsea receive.
