Chelsea have officially confirmed the capture of 21-year-old Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United on a seven-year contract running through 2032. The transfer, valued at approximately £40 million, potentially rises even further due to a 10 percent sell-on clause secured by United.
Chelsea’s acquisition of Garnacho comes as part of a blockbuster summer overhaul across Europe’s top clubs. The move not only signals Chelsea’s intent to reinvigorate their attacking options but also marks Garnacho as one of Manchester United’s most lucrative academy exports in recent memory.
Alejandro Garnacho wasted no time in expressing his delight at the switch: “It’s an incredible moment for my family and I to join this great club. I can’t wait to get started. I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special — we’re the best team in the world! It’s amazing to be here and I’m very happy.” This sentiment was echoed in Chelsea’s own coverage, where Garnacho described joining the reigning Club World Cup champions as “special.”
Born in Madrid on July 1, 2004, Garnacho is of Spanish-Argentine heritage. He entered the youth systems of Getafe and Atlético Madrid before joining Manchester United’s academy in October 2020 at age 16. In 2022, he was pivotal in United’s FA Youth Cup triumph and earned the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
He made his senior debut for United just weeks before turning 18, featuring in a Premier League clash against Chelsea.
Over the following years, Garnacho established himself as an impactful winger, contributing 26 goals in 144 senior appearances across competitions, including his triumphs in the 2023 Carabao Cup and 2024 FA Cup.
The backdrop to this transfer includes tension following Garnacho’s fall from favour under manager Ruben Amorim. Reports indicated he was excluded from United’s pre-season tour and community events, ultimately leading to his transfer listing.
Despite interest from other clubs, Manchester United were said to be open to selling if the price was right, having initially valued him closer to £50 million. Chelsea’s opening offer of around £25 million eventually yielded the final £40 million agreement.
Garnacho’s move is further framed by Chelsea’s own summer trading spree. With new arrivals such as Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estêvão, Jamie Gittens, Kendry Páez, Dário Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Jorrel Hato, the Blues’ acquisitions now exceed £290 million.
Chelsea’s new signing has also received a warm reception from his future teammates. Joao Pedro, who scored in the same match Garnacho watched from the stands in his first appearance at Stamford Bridge as a Chelsea player, praised him enthusiastically, calling him a “brilliant player” and expressing excitement at the prospect of partnering on the wing.