Chelsea
Aston Villa winger Alejandro Garnacho is still waiting for a real chance to impress Unai Emery, having spent 2 months at Villa Park. The Argentinian arrived on loan from Chelsea. His minutes have been limited, hence he has to fight to earn a regular place, as per latest news.
Alejandro Garnacho struggles to break into Villa side
As reported by BBC Sport, Garnacho has featured for only 31 minutes in three matches off the bench since joining Villa. He played 15 minutes against Hull, that being his longest outing. He has been benched for the last four matches.
That includes Saturday’s 3-2 win away at Tottenham, where Emery again chose not to bring him on. The lack of opportunities is a concern for the 22-year-old, who will be keen to make an impact after a difficult spell at Chelsea. He managed one goal and four assists in 24 Premier League appearances for the Blues last season. Chelsea had signed him from Manchester United for around £40 million, but his output fell short of expectations and he was allowed to leave on loan.
Garnacho’s slow start at Villa has come despite Emery’s previous admiration for him. His pre-season was disrupted due to an injury to his face in early August. This ruled him out of the UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain, leaving him behind in his preparations.
Emery urges Garnacho to keep working
Emery has explained that Garnacho needs time to learn Villa’s approach and earn the manager’s trust. The Spaniard is known for gradually introducing new arrivals, with former Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans taking until November 2023 to start a Premier League game after joining the club. He later became an important part of the team.
However, Garnacho’s situation is complicated by the competition around him. Villa have made several summer signings, Joao Gomes being the only one to start their opening league match. Emery has continued to assess his options, even making seven changes for a League cup tie against Coventry, where Garnacho still did not feature.
Academy youngster George Hemmings has impressed Emery and earned opportunities, while Ibrahim Mbaye, signed from Paris Saint-Germain, has also moved ahead of Garnacho in the pecking order.
Speaking about the winger, Emery’s words suggested he wants Garnacho to keep training and be ready when his chance comes. He also acknowledged that the forward is catching up after a disrupted pre-season, adding that patience will be needed.
Chelsea Football Stadium - Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Football Stadium - Stamford Bridge
Garnacho’s Chelsea stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB–
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances Created
Premier League 24 1 4 29
FA Cup 6 2 0 4
EFL Cup 4 4 0 3
Champions League 9 1 0 4
Villa move leaves Garnacho with work to do
Garnacho’s arrival was part of Villa’s effort to add more pace to their attack. The club had considered Crysencio Summerville, but he moved to Al-Hilal, while Morgan Rogers’ £117 million transfer to Chelsea created a gap Emery wanted to address.
The relationship between Villa and Chelsea helped smooth Garnacho’s loan. Nicolas Jackson also joined Villa in a club-record £65 million deal, continuing the clubs’ recent transfer links. Garnacho must now prove he fits Emery’s system. Though he has shown he can trouble defenders, he needs more minutes to make his case.
Villa’s busy schedule may offer chances to close the gap on his teammates. Emery has left the door open, but Garnacho must earn his place and adapt to English football.