Garnacho Rejects Saudi Switch as Manchester United Star Eyes Premier League Stay
Red Devils denied £60m sale as young winger closes door on Al Nassr and sets sights on England
Alejandro Garnacho has delivered a major blow to Manchester United’s summer transfer plans after rejecting a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, despite the club’s willingness to cash in on the Argentine this window.
Garnacho, 21, was one of five senior players to inform United of their intentions to leave Old Trafford earlier this month, alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia. The Red Devils, aligned with the players’ wishes, are banking on sales to boost their summer transfer budget following outlays on Matheus Cunha and the expected arrival of Bryan Mbeumo.
United had placed a £60 million price tag on Garnacho, who remains one of their most valuable assets after a 2024/25 campaign that saw him reach double digits in both goals and assists despite the team’s broader struggles.
Saudi Approach Falls Flat
According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr held preliminary discussions with the player’s camp but were quickly rebuffed. Writing on social media platform X, McGrath revealed:
“Alejandro Garnacho has rejected opportunity to pursue move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Cristiano Ronaldo’s team had initial discussions to be part of SPL title challenge but 21-year-old to prioritise Europe.”
Al Nassr, home to global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte, were one of the few clubs capable of matching United’s valuation. But Garnacho, who is represented by his brother Roberto, has made it clear that Europe remains his priority.
Premier League the Only Option
Further clarity arrived via Fabrizio Romano, who revealed Garnacho’s preference is not just Europe — but to remain in the Premier League.
“Alejandro Garnacho’s plan remains clear,” Romano wrote. “He wants to continue in Premier League this summer. His chapter at Manchester United is closed but he wants to stay in Premier League.”
The revelation all but ends interest from Napoli, who had tracked the winger since January and reignited their pursuit in the current window. With the Serie A runners-up now out of the picture, Garnacho’s options in England appear increasingly limited.
Who Could Make a Move?
Chelsea had shown strong interest in January, but with the arrival of left-winger Jamie Gittens and the signing of versatile attacker Joao Pedro, their need for Garnacho has significantly diminished. Arsenal and Spurs have not been linked, while Liverpool’s recent investments in young forwards may also rule them out.
Unless a surprise suitor emerges, Garnacho could face a waiting game to find the right club — and United, eager to balance the books, may grow frustrated if a bidding war doesn’t materialise.
What’s Next for United?
With Garnacho closing the door on a Saudi payday, United may now be forced to lower their asking price or seek a structured deal from a Premier League rival. The club are determined to fund further incomings and have made clear to all five wantaway stars that exits will be facilitated — but only on terms that suit Old Trafford’s hierarchy.
Garnacho’s next step could yet shape the rest of United’s transfer summer. And while the winger’s United chapter looks to be ending, his story in the Premier League is far from over.