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Alejandro Garnacho is missing a transfer trick, and he may come to regret it.
Following his falling out with United boss Ruben Amorim after the Europa League final, Garnacho’s fate at Old Trafford was sealed. He had to go.
Fresh from a season tallying 11 goals and 11 assists in 58 appearances, the Argentine sensation’s “availability” should have been an opportunity too good to ignore.
Initial reports suggested he was keen to remain in the Premier League.
But several top English sides, who rated him, baulked at the £70 million asking price. Then United slashed it.
Premier League sides like Aston Villa and Tottenham began toying with the idea of submitting an offer for his services. But an obstacle soon emerged.
Garnacho has one clear preferred destination
Garnacho has made it clear: if he leaves United, Chelsea is the only club he wants to join.
So, Chelsea, aware of the player’s stance and INEOS’ desire to cash in, have tried to take advantage. They believe they could secure the winger on a cut-price deal.
United want £50 million. The Blues are offering £30 million. The gap has stalled negotiations, despite Fabrizio Romano hinting last week that talks were at an advanced stage.
Chelsea and Garnacho’s progression
Garnacho believes Chelsea can polish the rough diamond he is and help him reach his full potential.
But is that realistic, considering the talent already at Stamford Bridge?
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Estevão are all winger options for the Blues. Xavi Simons, also expected to arrive, can operate on the left.
If Garnacho moves to Stamford Bridge, he will have to compete with all of them for a starting spot.
Unlike at United, game time could be scarce. He will need to be exceptional to become the preferred winger option.
While he may still be relishing the chance to break into Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side, he should have been wiser to explore other options.
Bayern Munich were the “smarter” move
Another option could have been Bayern Munich.
Last week, the Bundesliga giants approached Garnacho, hoping to lure him to the Allianz Arena. However, he turned them down, a decision that has baffled many.
How do you reject Bayern in your early 20s when joining them offers:
- Less media pressure
- Guaranteed trophies
- Champions League football
- Elite development with world-class coaches
- A winning mentality
- Global exposure
- Financial stability
- Bundesliga balance: competition with freedom
- A pathway to the national team
- A stepping stone to other top clubs like Real Madrid (see: Toni Kroos, David Alaba)
Bayern is not just a club; it is a launchpad. Chelsea, by contrast, are known for signing the next big thing available to replace you.
Once Bayern entered the picture, Garnacho should not have hesitated. That was the headline switch that could have rewritten his career. Yet he remains fixated on West London.
Ultimately, United’s number 17 chose Chelsea, despite uncertainty over a starting spot over Bayern, where he would likely become a project player with the team built around him. That decision speaks volumes about his mindset.
Hopefully, for his sake, if Chelsea meets the £50 million asking price, he goes ahead and silences his doubters and proves he has made the right call.
Featured image by Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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