Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly considering heading out on loan for the remainder of the campaign, six months after joining Chelsea from Manchester United.
Rúben Amorim and Alejandro Garnacho shared a turbulent relationship that ultimately ended with the Argentinian leaving the club in the summer. A key figure under Erik ten Hag, Garnacho struggled to adapt to Amorim’s system and was gradually pushed to the fringes.
The 21-year-old joined Manchester United’s Academy in 2020 and broke into the first team during the 2022/23 season, making his debut in the Europa League. From that point on, he became a player who split opinion among supporters.
While Garnacho offered flair and creativity, his tendency to be greedy in possession often frustrated fans, who saw Amad as a more balanced and reliable option. Amorim favoured players who could fit seamlessly into his structure rather than act as individualists, and Garnacho’s role diminished as a result.
Tensions eventually spilt into the public eye, leaving the relationship beyond repair. His move to London was not straightforward either, with a late-August transfer meaning no pre-season, something Garnacho later expressed frustration about.
United, however, secured a £40 million fee, and many supporters were relieved to see a divisive figure depart.
Garnacho considering loan exit
Garnacho’s time at Chelsea has hardly been any smoother than his final months at Old Trafford, with former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson stating he feels the winger has been “disappointing” at his new club, and that it “was a mistake to sign him” due to the already talented forwards the club has.
Garnacho was a regular starter at United and has found himself playing a squad-player role so far this campaign, and according to Fichajes, this has piqued the interest of his old club Atletico Madrid, who were in for him in the summer.
According to the Spanish report, Atleti boss Diego Simeone has already given his approval to sign Garnacho on a loan deal, valuing the player’s “intensity, dribbling ability, and competitive spirit”, and believing he could develop into a “complete attacker”.
At the same time, due to the unstable environment at Chelsea following Enzo Maresca’s sacking and Liam Rosenior’s managerial appointment, Garnacho is “seriously considering” a six-month loan move to a more stable environment where he can grow.
United would only benefit from a sale
When United agreed to sell Garnacho to Chelsea for a £40 million fee, they also ensured that a 10% sell-on clause was added to the deal, which will see United secure 10% of any future fee Chelsea recoups from this.
It’s important to note that this percentage is 10% of any total future fee, rather than just 10% of any future profit on his sale.
However, Garnacho going on loan has no direct financial impact on United. However, if the Argentina international does eventually feel as if his future lies best away at Stamford Bridge, for example, back at Atleti, a good loan could increase his value.
It’s no secret that Garnacho is a talented young star and could hit significant heights if coached properly. But given that Chelsea’s environment is cutthroat and turbulent, it may not be the best place for him to develop his career.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.