Alejandro Garnacho has turned down a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, passing on a chance to link up with his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.
The Manchester United winger is expected to leave Old Trafford this transfer window after being left out of the club’s pre-season tour of the United States. According to The Telegraph, Al-Nassr made an offer, but Garnacho is keen to remain in Europe and continue playing at the highest competitive level.
United have granted the 21-year-old permission to explore transfer options, with several clubs already expressing interest. Chelsea, long-time admirers, are said to be considering a swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku, while Serie A side Napoli are also in the mix.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis made his admiration for Garnacho clear, stating: “We want him because he’s at United. Get him out and he becomes twice the player. There’s a fault at United that I can’t explain.”
Although United reportedly want around 70 million ppounds for the Argentine, that figure may prove ambitious given he no longer features in new manager Ruben Amorim’s plans. Still, Garnacho’s relatively low salary compared to other out-of-favour stars may ease a potential exit.
By contrast, United are finding it more difficult to move higher earners like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony. Rashford is targeting a move to Barcelona, while Sancho has attracted Juventus’ interest after talks with Chelsea collapsed. Antony, meanwhile, boosted his stock with a strong loan spell at Real Betis in a 17 million pound co-ownership deal.
As United reshuffle under Amorim, Garnacho’s next move could become one of the window’s most intriguing transfer stories -especially if he stays in Europe and fulfills the potential many believe the club has failed to unlock.
