Alejandro Garnacho is set to leave Manchester United this summer after Ruben Amorim made it clear his future lies elsewhere, and he's now free to make his exit
BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United looks dejected after losing the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
It's been a tough few months for Alejandro Garnacho(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Alejandro Garnacho can put an end to his Manchester United exile with the first part of the summer transfer window opening.
Moves can now be made from June 1 to June 10 as a result of the Club World Cup before the market is underway for good on June 16. One of United's first pieces of business is expected to be offloading Garnacho after Amorim told him he's free to find a new club.
The 20-year-old, once seen as a potential successor to Cristiano Ronaldo, fell further out of favour after labelling United's season "s***" and calling out his lack of playing time following the Europa League final loss to Tottenham. With an estimated value between £60-£70million, several clubs are interested in rescuing him from his Old Trafford woes.
Napoli
Among the interested parties are Napoli, who, after having a £40m offer turned down in January, stand as the front-runners to snap up the young talent. Garnacho could fill the void left by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's winter move to PSG from the newly-crowned Serie A champions.
He certainly has the potential to secure a starting spot in Antonio Conte's starting XI, with his former team-mate Scott McTominay transforming into a club icon due to his goalscoring heroics within just one season in Naples.
The i has claimed Napoli's sporting director Giovanni Manna intends to rekindle negotiations with United representatives concerning the Argentine winger, though reaching a consensus on the fee could be easier said than done.
Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United celebrate
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Chelsea
Given their recent transfer record, it seems Chelsea could fork out the necessary funds more readily. Todd Boehly hasn't hesitated to flash the cash for the past three years, and this summer appears no different.
The Blues might have to sweeten the deal for INEOS if they're to receive help strengthening a domestic competitor – but inevitably, everything has its price. Manager Enzo Maresca isn't exactly short of attackers, so adding another may not top the agenda.
Still, questions linger over Jadon Sancho's future, creating a possible opening. With Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto fitting more comfortably on the right wing, there's potentially a position waiting for Garnacho..
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United reacts to a missed chance during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on November 03, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Chelsea could keep the youngster in England(Image: Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid
Meanwhile, Atletico might see his return as a viable move, as he's already spent half a decade in their youth setup before chasing his "dream" when joining United in 2020.
Times have changed, and Atletico boss Diego Simeone has reportedly taken quite a shine to their former academy starlet, even if Garnacho doesn't seem the most natural choice for his established 4-4-2 system.
Both Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez had impressive seasons up front, netting 20 and 17 league goals respectively. This could mean Garnacho might need to drop a bit deeper and put in the hard graft that Amorim has often accused him of lacking.
Amorim giving instructions to Garnacho
Amorim's left Garnacho in no doubt about where he stands
AC Milan
At the San Siro, he could enjoy more attacking freedom than in Madrid. Both Inter and AC have been linked with a move, but if Rafael Leao departs, the latter could be in pole position.
Leao has been linked with numerous clubs, including United. A swap deal could be on the cards depending on if Garnacho is interested.
Milan have been mentioned in Italian reports as one of the early negotiators alongside Napoli. However, their lack of European football next season puts them at a disadvantage.
Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, embraces Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United as he is substituted during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Barnsley at Old Trafford on September 17, 2024 in Manchester, England.
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Bayer Leverkusen
The appointment of Ten Hag at the BayArena has naturally led to speculation of a reunion for Garnacho in Germany. Leverkusen will certainly not be short of funds this summer.
Liverpool triggering Jeremie Frimpong's £29.5m release clause, as well as reportedly nearing a £100m-plus deal for Florian Wirtz, leaves Ten Hag with a substantial budget to utilise in the transfer window.
Garnacho's profile suits success in Germany, and he was productive under the Dutchman for United. However, it's perhaps a riskier move with the club in a transitional period following Xabi Alonso's departure.