Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
On Saturday, Alejandro Garnacho played for a third Premier League team in just over a year when he pulled on an Aston Villa shirt – having joined the Midlands club on a loan deal from Chelsea.
It was just under a year ago when Chelsea paid £40m to sign the Argentina international from Manchester United. But Garnacho struggled in a Blues shirt, managing just one Premier League goal during 2025-26.
Player ratings vs Tottenham
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Despite Jamie Gittens’ injury issues, Garnacho could not keep his place in Chelsea’s side. Now, with Xabi Alonso in charge at Chelsea, Garnacho has already been offloaded on loan with a conditional obligation.
A clause that is said to be easily met, and will see Chelsea receive £43m next summer. It was a strange signing in the first place, but at least, BlueCo have seen the light. On Saturday, Garnacho was in action.
Garnacho suggests he was unhappy at Chelsea on Instagram
Reasons for Garnacho’s struggles are obvious. A clear lack of quality, a loss in confidence, but it was his body language and attitude that frustrated Chelsea fans. Garnacho failed to endear himself to supporters.
Garnacho started and played 45 minutes on Saturday as Villa secured a 3-1 win over Indonesia’s All-Star XI in Jakarta. Villa fans were impressed with the former Man United star’s performance, albeit quiet.
Indonesia All Stars v Aston Villa: Pre-Season Friendly
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The winger took to Instagram after the match, posting a short message on his story. The winger told fans he is “happy to be enjoying football again”, suggesting he was not happy during his time at Chelsea.
But there is only one person to blame for that, and it is Garnacho himself. The winger was given ample opportunity to shine at Chelsea. Yet, he failed to deliver – more often seen angry at his teammates.
Jamie Gittens looks like he is having the last laugh
When the deadline struck last summer, Chelsea had spent almost £100m on two left-sided wingers in Garnacho and Jamie Gittens. Immediately, there was a sense of competition over who would start.
Gittens was struck by injury, and it saw Garnacho get more game time, even if the Argentine ended the season failing to start and both Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane using other options on the left.
Chelsea wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto
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But Alonso has made a decision. He has decided to keep Gittens – perhaps, having watched him in Germany while Leverkusen manager – and ousted Garnacho. Gittens has been on fire in pre-season.
Against Crawley, Bromley and Western Sydney, Gittens found himself on the score sheet. In the 2-1 loss to Tottenham, Gittens got an assist. After hamstring woes, the £55m signing looks as if he’s back to his best.
While Morgan Rogers might start over the former Dortmund man next season, Gittens looks set to be given a regular role. Garnacho, meanwhile, has been cast aside by a second club in two summers.