Chelsea have sealed a 40 million pounds ($54 million) deal for Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho, finalizing one of the summer window’s most talked-about transfers.
The 21-year-old, a standout talent at Manchester United since his breakthrough, joins Stamford Bridge as part of manager Enzo Maresca’s ambitious revamp of the Blues’ attacking line.
The transfer marks another significant departure from United amid Ruben Amorim’s ongoing squad restructuring.
Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November 2024, has targeted a tactical overhaul emphasizing discipline and cohesion, sidelining players not fitting his vision – dubbed the club’s ‘bomb squad.’
Garnacho becomes the second such high-profile exit this summer, following Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona.
Remaining on the periphery are Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia.
Chelsea will pay a fixed 40 million pounds fee for Garnacho, with United securing a 10% sell-on clause on any future transfer.
The deal represents United’s fourth-largest sale, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo (80 million pounds to Real Madrid, 2009), Romelu Lukaku (74 million pounds to Inter, 2019), and Angel Di Maria (44 million pounds to PSG, 2015).
It also sets a new record for the highest fee received for an academy graduate.
Garnacho’s journey at United began in October 2020, joining from Atletico Madrid’s youth system for an initial 100,000 pounds fee that rose to 420,000 pounds with add-ons.
Born July 1, 2004, in Madrid to an Argentine father and Spanish mother, Garnacho committed to Argentina internationally, earning 12 caps since 2023 and contributing to the nation’s 2024 Copa America triumph.
He made his senior debut in April 2022 under Ralf Rangnick and quickly became a fan favorite for his blistering pace, dribbling, and flair – often drawing comparisons to a young Cristiano Ronaldo.
Over 144 appearances for United, Garnacho scored 26 goals and provided 19 assists, highlighted by an overhead kick against Everton in November 2023 that won Premier League Goal of the Season and his key role in United’s 2024 FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
However, a dip in form during the 2024-25 season, coupled with tension with Amorim – culminating in a public complaint over limited minutes in the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham – paved the way for his exit.
Negotiations were protracted. Chelsea’s initial 25 million pounds offer was rejected, but talks accelerated in July 2025.
Garnacho reportedly favored Chelsea over other suitors, including Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
He is scheduled for a medical in London on Friday, before signing a seven-year contract through 2032, with an optional extra year.
Weekly wages are expected to be around 100,000 pounds, reflecting Chelsea’s structure for emerging talents.
The signing adds to Chelsea’s summer spending spree of over 200 million pounds on attacking reinforcements.
Garnacho joins Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (35 million pounds), Liam Delap (20 million pounds), Joao Pedro (30 million pounds), and teenage sensation Estevao Willian (29 million pounds rising to 51 million pounds).
Maresca’s tactical flexibility – favoring 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1 setups – offers Garnacho a chance to compete across the frontline, complementing Cole Palmer’s creativity and Nicolas Jackson’s hold-up play, addressing Chelsea’s need for sharper finishing after a mixed 2024-25 campaign.
Outgoing business at Stamford Bridge continues, with Christopher Nkunku poised for a 36 million pounds move to AC Milan. Nkunku, acquired from RB Leipzig for 52 million pounds in 2023, struggled with injuries and form, scoring 15 goals in 60 appearances.
His departure frees wages and squad space, easing Chelsea’s PSR compliance.
The transfer highlights contrasting strategies in English football: Chelsea’s aggressive spending under Todd Boehly versus United’s cautious approach post-INOS investment.
For United, the funds could support reinforcements in midfield or defense, while Chelsea aim to mount a genuine Premier League title challenge in 2025-26.
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