Former Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has struggled to make an impact at Aston Villa since joining on loan from Chelsea
Alejandro Garnacho looks on
Alejandro Garnacho has made no impact at Aston Villa so far(Image: Getty Images)
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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed the club secured Alejandro Garnacho on a long-term basis despite his challenging start. The former Manchester United winger joined Emery's team on loan this summer from Chelsea.
The season-long arrangement to bring him to Villa Park contains a conditional obligation to purchase. This follows a series of disappointing campaigns for the Argentine.
Garnacho's relationship with former Reds head coach Ruben Amorim broke down during his final season at Old Trafford and he was left out of the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in 2025, which ultimately determined his future. There were hopes he could revitalise his career at Stamford Bridge following a £40million transfer last summer.
However, the winger struggled to make a meaningful contribution in west London as Chelsea suffered through a difficult campaign, finishing 10th in the Premier League and failing to qualify for European football. Garnacho was subsequently loaned to Villa in July, where he has experienced a sluggish beginning.
The United academy product has been limited to substitute appearances thus far - without a goal or assist in three outings. Now, Emery has shared his thoughts on Villa's intentions for the attacker ahead of Saturday's clash with Nottingham Forest.
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He said: "We want him at the same level he was for Chelsea in the first part of last season and in Manchester two years ago.
"He is a player we have signed for a long time, and we will help him to feel comfortable and confident to get his quality."
Alejandro Garnacho of Aston Villa looks on from the bench
Alejandro Garnacho is struggling at Aston Villa (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Garnacho was an unused substitute during Tuesday's 3-2 Champions League victory at Club Brugge - dealing a further setback to the player's confidence.
However, Emery anticipates the forward will make his mark at B6 and has commended his attitude in a push to secure more playing time under the former Arsenal head coach.
He added: "First is positive - his attitude. His attitude is very important, he is getting the commitment we need to achieve it.
"Now he needs time. Time, hard work every day, and he is showing it with his attitude. Then, everything he is progressing.
"Every training session we are doing, he is showing he can play matches. He played a few minutes, but it was not enough, firstly due to the minutes he played and the things he showed.
"Progressively, I am seeing him better. The most important thing is being consistent and demanding through the attitude he has. Then, I believe and I trust that he will achieve his best performance."