Lionel Messi has made his feelings known about Argentina team-mate Alejandro Garnacho, who is currently in talks over a potential move from Manchester United to Chelsea
Alejandro Garnacho might split opinion at Manchester United, but Lionel Messi has no doubts about the winger’s talent. Garnacho, 21, is expected to leave United this summer, with Chelsea emerging as frontrunners for his signature.
The Blues are understood to have agreed personal terms with the Argentine and have now opened talks with United. But they’re still some way off reaching a full agreement.
According to The Telegraph, United are holding out for £50million, while Chelsea are pushing to lower the price to around £40m. The London club’s stance is strengthened by Garnacho’s strained relationship with United boss Ruben Amorim, as well as the Red Devils’ need to raise funds.
READ MORE: Win Premier League Tickets to Chelsea v Crystal Palace or Man City v TottenhamREAD MORE: Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea transfer takes step forward after Man Utd ultimatum
United are on the verge of signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko – a move that will push their summer spending towards, and possibly beyond, the £200m mark – with £130m already spent on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Garnacho struggled for consistency last season, despite registering a career-best return of 11 goals and 10 assists. His campaign was also overshadowed by accusations of attitude issues, fuelled by his public bust-up with Amorim.
But while his domestic reputation has taken a knock, Garnacho’s stock remains high abroad. He continues to be regarded as a rare, high-potential talent – a view, it appears, that’s shared not only by international team-mate Messi, but also by several other Ballon d’Or winners.
Garnacho was among the nominees for last year’s Kopa Trophy – awarded to the world’s best player under the age of 21. Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal claimed the honour by a wide margin, but Garnacho still earned the backing of some illustrious names.
According to L’Equipe, Messi was one of three voters to place him third, alongside Karim Benzema and German great Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Dutch legend Marco van Basten went a step further, ranking Garnacho second. It underlines the esteem Garnacho still commands despite his recent troubles at United.
Messi – an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner – has witnessed the youngster’s talent first-hand on international duty.
Van Basten – one of only five players to win the Ballon d’Or more than twice, claiming the prize in 1988, 1989 and 1992 – is widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards in football history. Similarly, Rummenigge – a two-time winner (1980 and 1981) – is generally classed as one of the finest attackers of his generation, as is Benzema, who took the award in 2022.
Should Garnacho join Chelsea, he will face fierce competition for minutes. Like United, the Blues have overhauled their forward line this summer, adding Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Brazilian wonderkid Estevao. A move for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is also in the works.
Nevertheless, a switch to Stamford Bridge would offer Garnacho both a fresh start and a significant challenge – exactly what he needs at this stage of his career. At 21, he still has ample time to develop and prove his worth at the highest level, but the pressure to perform consistently will be intense, especially given the competition for places in a squad eager to reclaim its status among Europe’s elite.
Chelsea’s ambitious recruitment drive signals their intent to build a youthful, dynamic attack, and Garnacho’s pace and flair could make him a key figure in that vision – provided he can regain his focus and maintain discipline.
For now, Garnacho waits in a cloud of uncertainty, but buoyed by the silent endorsement of some of football’s greatest figures, the promise of a bright future remains unmistakably within reach.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
