Chelsea Sign Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United on Seven-Year Deal

Chelsea have announced that they have signed Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United. The 21-year-old will join the Blues on a seven-year contract after a £40 million transfer that includes an additional 10% sell-on clause.

WHAT HAPPENED

Garnacho’s move was announced just hours after he was seen at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham last weekend. The young winger expressed his excitement at joining the reigning world champions, describing his transfer as “an incredible moment” for himself and his family.

Frustrations had been growing between Garnacho and Manchester United following his omission from the starting line-up for the Europa League final against Tottenham last May, and his relationship with United boss Ruben Amorim soured. As his exit from the club was negotiated, Garnacho began training away from the main group. Chelsea quickly secured his signature before the transfer window closed. Reports indicate that Garnacho has been out of favor at Manchester United and is expected to leave the club this summer.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Garnacho had broken into Manchester United’s first team in 2022, having joined the club from Atletico Madrid two years earlier. Over the next three seasons, he made 58 appearances, scoring 11 goals and assisting 9 for United. Last season, he netted 11 times in total, including 6 in the Premier League, in 28 appearances for United. Chelsea have set about bolstering their attacking ranks under new manager Enzo Maresca, as they continue to rebuild. The Blues are currently top in the Premier League after their latest win, as they wait for Arsenal and Liverpool to play each other tomorrow.

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND GARNACHO?

Chelsea face Brentford in their next game as they attempt to strengthen their grip on the Champions League places, while Maresca’s side remain in the hunt for the title, sitting nine points behind the Gunners. Garnacho’s arrival is expected to provide more competition out wide, with Maresca having rotated his wing-backs throughout the season. Meanwhile, Manchester United won the first match of their season and offload a player that wasn’t part of the team’s plans after their recent disappointing result where they lost to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. Garnacho’s debut could come next weekend, as Chelsea look to close the gap to their rivals in both the league and the Champions League race.