Alejandro Garnacho’s time at Manchester United appears to be coming to an end, with reports suggesting that manager Ruben Amorim has told the 20-year-old winger to find a new club.
Garnacho has grown increasingly frustrated with his treatment under the Portuguese boss since Amorim’s arrival in November.
His exclusion from the Europa League final starting lineup, despite playing every knockout game up to that point, was the last straw. After the defeat to Tottenham, Garnacho didn’t hold back: “Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.“
It wasn’t the first time he’d been benched either. Back in December, both he and Marcus Rashford were dropped for a Manchester Derby, even though United won.
With tensions running high and Garnacho seemingly on the way out, here are five potential destinations for the winger.
Napoli
Serie A champions Napoli have tracked Garnacho since January, when a deal fell apart due to personal terms, according to their sporting director, Giovanni Mianna.
With Champions League football on offer and the need to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined PSG, Napoli are expected to return for Garnacho.
Garnacho may also be encouraged to join, having seen the success of other former United players in Naples.
Garnacho’s former teammate, Scott McTominay, scored an overhead kick to help his side win the league title on their final day of the season and was named MVP for his performance. While Romelu Lukaku has also been impressive, with 14 goals in 36 games and 10 assists, which puts him top of the assist charts currently.
The appeal of European football, a potential post-Manchester United redemption arc and a chance at silverware might just entice Garnacho to join a Napoli side that already have their eye on him.
Atletico Madrid
Born in Madrid and a product of Atletico’s academy, a return to Diego Simeone’s side could feel like home for Garnacho.
The Spanish club are also rumoured to have pursued a deal with the winger in January, but couldn’t agree on a deal before the end of the window. Now that Amorim wants rid of Garnacho, any deal for him could be cut-price compared to the start of 2024.
The draw of Champions League football and a manager who rates him highly could make Atletico one of Garnacho’s top choices.
The Rojiblancos are also rumoured to be interested in fellow Manchester United winger Antony, who is currently on loan in Spain with Real Betis. The Brazilian has had a resurgence with Betis registering 14 goals and assists in 25 matches and helping them reach the UEFA Conference League Final.
His impressive performances in Spain may help United recoup some of the £80 million they spent on him if he does leave this summer, although it is unlikely that Real Betis can afford him, leaving the door open to Atletico Madrid and other suitors.
Garnacho, on the other hand, will be hoping Atletico choose him so that he can follow in the footsteps of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, and excel following a move from Manchester to Madrid if it goes ahead.
Chelsea
A surprising addition to the list comes in the form of a Premier League rival.
Maresca’s Blues were also interested in Garnacho in January but also couldn’t reach a deal with the winger, but may have better luck this Summer.
Any deal for Garnacho would be a profit for Manchester United under PSR rules, with the 20-year-old being an ‘academy graduate’, and Chelsea’s American owners have never shied away from spending big, which they will have to do to satisfy their rivals.
Garnacho’s signing would probably mean the end of Jadon Sancho’s time at Chelsea.
The fellow Manchester United man has been on loan in London since last summer but hasn’t hit the heights his early career suggested. His four goals and 10 assists in 40 games have, however, helped his side reach the UEFA Conference League final and challenge for Champions League spots.
If Chelsea are to lure Garnacho away from his other suitors, they may have to ensure they qualify for the Champions League to make their project the most appealing.
Bayer Leverkusen
The Germans are yet another Champions League side that is chasing the Argentine winger.
This deal, however, could also spell a reunion between Ten Hag and Garnacho, who handed him his senior debut at United back in 2022. Some of Garnacho’s best form came under his former boss, who has been linked heavily with the Leverkusen job since Xabi Alonso announced he would be leaving the club.
Garnacho made 98 appearances under the Dutchman, scoring 20 times and registering 15 assists, and together they won the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
Leverkusen will also be keen for reinforcements, with this summer looking to be an exodus for many of those who played under Xabi Alonso. Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, key creators in recent Bundesliga seasons, both seem to be on the way to Liverpool, which could leave an opening for Garnacho to join.
Signing a former player would help Ten Hag in his early days in Germany if he is to take over there.
Al-Nassr
Saudi Arabia might seem an unlikely destination, but don’t count it out.
Garnacho’s contract demands deterred European clubs in January, but not the Saudi clubs. Al-Nassr would be especially tempting for Garnacho, given the presence of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
They played six times together during Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester before his move to the Middle East, and Garnacho has made no secret of his admiration for the Portuguese icon.
However, Ronaldo might not be there next season. His current contract ends this June and it is rumoured that the Saudis are debating not renewing.
Ronaldo himself is reportedly looking to leave Al-Nassr in order to play in this summer’s Club World Cup in the USA. Sources have linked the Portuguese international with both Wydad Casablanca and Messi’s Inter Miami, so he can play in the competition.