Lionel Messi has spoken with his actions, not words, about his admiration for Alejandro Garnacho, and now the young Argentine could be on his way from Manchester United to Chelsea in a £50 million deal.
Garnacho’s time at Old Trafford has been filled with highs and lows. At just 21 years old, he has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced challenges with consistency and attitude.
Chelsea have emerged as the leading club to sign him this summer. The Blues have already agreed personal terms with Garnacho, but there is still a gap between their offer and Manchester United’s asking price.
United want £50 million for their winger, while Chelsea are pushing for closer to £40 million. Talks are ongoing, but sources suggest Chelsea are confident a deal can be reached before the transfer window closes.
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The move comes as Garnacho’s relationship with United boss Ruben Amorim has broken down. Reports claim the winger was left out of the club’s pre-season trip to the USA after tensions grew between player and manager.
With Amorim adding new forwards like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his squad, Garnacho’s role at United has become uncertain. United are also finalizing the signing of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, which will take their summer spending to nearly £200 million.
Despite his troubles at club level, Garnacho’s reputation abroad remains strong. Lionel Messi, along with other Ballon d’Or winners, has shown clear belief in his potential.
Last year, Garnacho was nominated for the prestigious Kopa Trophy, given to the best young player in the world under the age of 21. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the award, but Garnacho received strong support from some legendary names.
Messi, Karim Benzema, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge all voted Garnacho third in their rankings. Dutch great Marco van Basten placed him second, a sign of the respect Garnacho commands among football icons.
Van Basten, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, is considered one of the greatest forwards ever. Rummenigge, a two-time winner, and Benzema, the 2022 recipient, are also among football’s most respected figures.
If Garnacho joins Chelsea, he will face tough competition for a starting spot. The club has already signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Brazilian wonderkid Estevao. They are also chasing RB Leipzig’s playmaker Xavi Simons.
Still, a move to Stamford Bridge could give Garnacho the fresh start he needs. At 21, he has plenty of time to grow, but he will need to adapt quickly to Chelsea’s intense competition and expectations.
Chelsea’s transfer strategy this summer is focused on building a young, fast, and skillful attack. Garnacho’s speed and flair could fit perfectly into that vision, provided he can stay disciplined and focused.
For Garnacho, this is not just about a transfer. It’s about proving he can turn potential into consistent performance at the very top level.
Amorim has hinted that a move might be the best outcome for both sides, saying, “Sometimes things don’t work out. I think Garnacho wants something different with different leadership, and I understand that.”
Manchester United are continuing their summer clear-out. Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan, with a possible permanent move. Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia are also on the list of players United want to move on.
Chelsea hope to finalize Garnacho’s signing soon enough for him to be part of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. He will not feature in their pre-season friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan this weekend.
For now, Garnacho remains in a period of uncertainty, but with Messi’s silent endorsement and the backing of football legends, his next chapter could be his most exciting yet.
If the deal goes through, Stamford Bridge will be watching closely, and so will the world.
