Chelsea have agreed a deal with Manchester United for the signing of Alejandro Garnacho.
The deal consists of a £40million fixed fee and a 10 per cent sell-on clause is also included as part of the package.
Garnacho is set to sign a contract through to 2032 and is expected to undergo a medical on Friday ahead of the proposed move.
The Athletic reported on August 7 that Chelsea had stepped up talks with Manchester United over a move for Garnacho after the clubs had been in touch regarding the winger for some time.
The 21-year-old had ruled out all options this summer, aside from joining Chelsea and staying put at United.
The Athletic reported in June that Garnacho was one of five United players permitted to return to pre-season training late after reporting in May that United head coach Ruben Amorim had told the 21-year-old, in front of his team-mates, to find a new club.
Chelsea have held a long-standing interest in Garnacho and he would be the second United winger in as many campaigns to join Chelsea after Jadon Sancho moved to Stamford Bridge on loan last season.
Amorim and Garnacho have had a turbulent relationship at times. The “new club” comment followed United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, where the Argentina international was introduced as a 71st-minute substitute.
After the final, Garnacho said he would “see what happens” following a summer break and expressed his frustrations at not playing a greater role in the final.
“Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know,” he said.
United rejected an approach from Napoli for Garnacho in January and while he stayed at Old Trafford, his reaction to being substituted off against Ipswich Town the following month prompted Amorim to reveal the forward had to pay for a team dinner by means of an apology.
He made 58 appearances in all competitions and provided 11 goals and 10 assists, but this was amid long-term absences for Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee and Amad, while Marcus Rashford and Antony both left United on loan deals in the January transfer window without replacements.
Garnacho joined United’s academy from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 and has made 144 senior appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals.
‘Man Utd and Chelsea meet in the middle’
Analysis by The Athletic’s Manchester United Writer Laurie Whitwell
Garnacho’s move to Chelsea has been telegraphed all summer. The player told friends at the end of last season his desire was to move to London and Stamford Bridge would be his ideal destination. That targeted ambition hampered United’s negotiating position, as did Ruben Amorim telling Garancho in front of teammates he would need to find a need club.
Some clubs were initially told of a £70m asking price but this reduced to £60m and when talks with Chelsea began United pressed for £50m. Chelsea, according to United sources, came in at £25m. They had started offers by suggesting only players in swap deals, none of whom were palatable to United.
Ultimately the two clubs have met in the middle for the 21-year-old, with United getting a guaranteed £40m plus a 10 per cent sell-on, which seems plausible to be triggered if Chelsea continue as they have been doing.
The sale marks the largest for a United academy graduate, and the fourth largest in United’s history after Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Angel Di Maria. But it still will feel lower than what many fans would regard his value.
His departure will also be tinged with sadness for many, given his part in United’s FA Youth Cup winning side of 2022, his explosive overhead kick at Goodison Park, and his goal in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2024. He did also upset supporters with some of his social media posts, not least posing in Marcus Rashford’s Aston Villa shirt at the end of the last campaign.
Garnacho revelled under the spotlight of Old Trafford and wanted to stay, but came to realise his days were numbered in Amorim’s system and the wider club ethos.
(Photo: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
