Man United receive major Alejandro Garnacho transfer update: ‘Not a priority’
Man United have received an update on Alejandro Garnacho’s move to a title-winning team this summer.
This season has been nothing short of a disaster for the Red Devils, and Ruben Amorim‘s side is now staring into the financial abyss after their Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
United’s transfer budget was already limited, but the knock-on effect of failing to qualify for any European football will be disastrous for a team looking to spend in the region of £2billion in the coming years on a new stadium.
With Amorim’s squad in need of a serious overhaul this summer, but without the funds to make it happen, United have contemplated selling Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho.
By letting go of their academy prospects, the fees would represent pure profit on the club’s balance sheets, helping them remain compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Amorim has already advised Garnacho to find a new club this coming transfer window and Napoli would seem at first glance to be an ideal destination, having had a bid rejected for the Argentine winger in January [Sky Sports].
But according to RAI TV’s Aurelio Capaldi on the Transfers Podcast, that deal may not be forthcoming, presenting United with a predicament this summer.
Alejandro Garnacho ‘not a priority’ for Napoli
Host Duncan Castles asked Capaldi if Garnacho is a “top choice” for Antonio Conte, or just a “viable option” if United are prepared to sell at a reduced fee.
The Italian journalist said (29 May, 28:32): “The second possibility you mentioned. Not a priority.
“When Napoli sold [Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia last January, Conte was anxious to have a good signing.
“He knew that the club needed the money they got from Paris Saint-Germain to sell Kvaratshkhelia and Garnacho was an option, but not a priority.”
Man United looking to sell one of Europe’s best young talents
Football Insider Verdict
Garnacho can be a controversial figure at times, but among players aged 21 or under, only Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Desire Doue have more goal contributions in Europe’s top five leagues.
That puts the Argentine in the company of two of the continent’s most esteemed young talents.
What makes Garnacho’s 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions more impressive is that whilst Yamal is setting up Robert Lewandowski and Doue’s assists are being finished off by Ousmane Dembele, United’s starlet has done so with Rasmus Hojlund as his main target.
Amorim and the 21-year-old’s relationship seems irreparably damaged at this point, but long-term, it feels like a massive, and perhaps misguided, commitment to the current man in charge to sell their young asset.
In doing so, United would be letting go of one of the few game-changing and shape-changing players they have left, with only Amad left who can comfortably play as a winger.