Garnacho's Future Is in Question During Transfer Discussions

 

Reports suggest Manchester United’s promising young winger Alejandro Garnacho could be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer. Club insiders indicate Garnacho has grown frustrated with his role under new head coach Rúben Amorim – having been omitted from the Europa League final in Bilbao and limited to brief substitute appearances in key matches. He is now considered “increasingly likely to leave Manchester United” following his benching during the final. His representatives are expected to meet the club soon to discuss his future, with United said to be open to offers. Once a key figure at the club, Garnacho joined United’s academy from Atlético Madrid in 2020 and broke into the first team shortly after. 

He signed a five-year contract extension in 2023, keeping him at the club until 2028, and enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign, scoring a personal-best 11 goals in 57 appearances. He also featured in 36 of 37 league games during the 2023/24 season and started 14 consecutive matches in the spring — including all four Europa League knockout ties — before a missed opportunity late in the campaign saw him fall out of favor. His pace and direct attacking play were widely praised, though some observers noted concerns around his on-field discipline. Sources say his frustration stems from being limited to just 20 minutes in the Europa League final and a belief that Amorim mishandled his selection. Amorim, who arrived from Sporting CP with a reputation for tactical rigidity and demanding standards, has already made bold decisions since taking charge. One report claims he held a post-final meeting to confirm his commitment to the club and told Garnacho directly that he should find a new team if he wanted regular playing time. Interest From Napoli and Others Several clubs are now circling. 

Italian champions Napoli, led by Antonio Conte, are reportedly among the frontrunners for Garnacho’s signature. The club made a bid in January that was rejected by United, but their interest has not waned. Chelsea are also believed to be monitoring the situation closely, while other Premier League sides and clubs from Saudi Arabia are expected to join the race. Garnacho’s valuation had been around €70 million (£59m) last winter, but that figure is expected to drop as United seek to move players this summer. Napoli’s pursuit of Garnacho is part of a broader recruitment drive. After winning the Scudetto, the club is aggressively reshaping its squad. Last summer, they made several notable signings from the Premier League, including Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea and Scott McTominay from Manchester United. 

Other additions included Belgium international Dennis Praet and Brighton’s Billy Gilmour. Their ambition doesn’t stop there. The club has reportedly opened talks with Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave on a free transfer. De Bruyne is expected to travel to Naples soon to negotiate a two-year deal, turning down interest from Major League Soccer. The Belgian’s presence, alongside Lukaku and McTominay, would further strengthen Napoli’s squad as they prepare for another Champions League campaign. United’s Overhaul and Financial Priorities Garnacho’s departure could serve a dual purpose at United — freeing up funds and aiding compliance with profit and sustainability rules. Amorim is reportedly working with a transfer budget of around £100 million, and United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has placed further financial pressure on the club. Selling academy-trained players like Garnacho represents pure profit on the balance sheet and offers United flexibility in the transfer market. The club's leadership views outgoing transfers as crucial to rebuilding under Amorim.

 Multiple senior players are being considered for sale: Marcus Rashford (27): The England international has endured a mixed season, and with contract issues and form questions, United are willing to consider offers. Jadon Sancho (24): Following a disappointing loan spell at Chelsea, Sancho is expected to be moved on if interest resurfaces. Antony (23): The Brazilian winger has struggled to justify his hefty price tag and is reportedly among the players Amorim is ready to part with. By contrast, Bruno Fernandes (30) is expected to stay. Despite interest from Saudi Arabia, the club has indicated it will not accept any bids for their captain, who remains central to Amorim’s plans. Left-back Tyrell Malacia, 25, is also a likely departure after a solid loan spell in the Netherlands. Several other fringe players in midfield and attack could be offloaded as United reshape their squad. Potential Replacements and Scouting Targets United have already begun identifying potential replacements for Garnacho. One possibility is Francisco Trincão — a Portuguese winger who previously played under Amorim at Sporting CP. Trincão, 25, fits the manager’s style and may be available for a reasonable fee. Another name linked is Atlético Madrid forward Matheus Cunha, a versatile Brazilian attacker who has reportedly held discussions with United. However, competition is expected from Arsenal and Newcastle, making swift negotiations essential.