Shock Premier League club comes out of nowhere in race to sign Alejandro Garnacho

Manchester United’s summer exodus could be about to take a dramatic twist, as a surprising Premier League club has now emerged in the race to sign young winger Alejandro Garnacho, amid growing tension between the player and new manager Ruben Amorim.

Reports suggest that Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford is hanging by a thread after a public fallout with Amorim that shocked teammates and staff alike. The Portuguese boss is believed to have confronted the Argentine starlet during a team meeting following the club’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Sources close to the dressing room reveal that Garnacho was visibly upset after being benched for such a high-stakes encounter. Though he came on as a late substitute, playing only 20 minutes, he made his displeasure known after the game, telling reporters cryptically, “I’ll try to enjoy the summer and then see what happens.”

Things escalated further when Garnacho’s brother took to social media to criticize Amorim’s decisions. The manager, not one to tolerate public defiance, reportedly fired back in brutal fashion, saying, “You better pray that you can find a club to sign you.” Garnacho was then dropped entirely from the matchday squad for the final league game against Aston Villa.

Despite featuring in United’s post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong, the writing appears to be on the wall for the 20-year-old winger. Amorim’s dismissive reaction when asked about Garnacho’s future during a press conference has only intensified speculation that an exit is imminent.

Until recently, Garnacho was heavily linked with a move to Serie A, where clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Roma have all shown serious interest. Chelsea and Napoli were also named among the clubs considering a bid. However, a surprising Premier League contender has now joined the race: Aston Villa.

According to a fresh report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now exploring the possibility of bringing Garnacho to the Midlands. It’s an unexpected twist, but not without logic. Villa, under the ambitious Unai Emery, are looking to bolster their attacking options and add depth ahead of a demanding European campaign.

The club’s project is appealing—an upwardly mobile team, a passionate fanbase, and the lure of regular football could tempt Garnacho, especially if his options at United remain closed. Villa also offer the familiarity of the Premier League without the pressure cooker environment of a top-six club, giving Garnacho space to grow.

Meanwhile, across the continent, Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as a dark horse in the race. They recently appointed Erik ten Hag—Garnacho’s former manager at Manchester United—as their new head coach, replacing Xabi Alonso, who left for Liverpool. Given the strong rapport between Ten Hag and Garnacho, the Bundesliga outfit could become a serious contender.

Garnacho thrived under Ten Hag, scoring in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2024 and becoming a fan favorite for his flair and fearlessness. A move to Germany would allow him to reunite with a manager who trusts him, and who knows how to get the best out of him.

That said, Leverkusen may face financial hurdles. They are reportedly open to parting with star midfielder Florian Wirtz in a mega-deal that could fund Garnacho’s transfer. But insiders suggest that a loan move might be the more realistic option unless Wirtz is sold this summer.

For Manchester United, selling Garnacho would be a painful but potentially profitable move. As a homegrown player developed in the academy, any sale would count as pure profit under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). United have reportedly slapped a £50 million price tag on the youngster, and could use those funds to reinvest in rebuilding under Amorim.

However, some fans are already expressing disappointment at how things are unfolding. Garnacho, once seen as a key figure in United’s future, now looks set to depart after a managerial clash that has played out more like a soap opera than a sporting decision.

If the Villa deal materializes, it would mark one of the more shocking Premier League transfers in recent memory. From potential club icon to discarded asset in just a few months—Garnacho’s journey with Manchester United could be nearing its end far sooner than anyone anticipated.

It also raises serious questions about Amorim’s man-management and how he handles talented but outspoken players. If Garnacho is allowed to leave without a fight, some may question whether the manager is prioritizing control over creativity.

Still, with the transfer window about to open and clubs positioning themselves aggressively, Garnacho’s next move is far from settled. Whether it’s Villa, Chelsea, Napoli, or Leverkusen, one thing is clear: the race is on, and it’s getting hotter by the day.

With his talent undeniable and his age on his side, Garnacho will not be short of suitors. But wherever he ends up, it’s becoming increasingly likely that it won’t be at Old Trafford.

United fans will be watching closely, wondering if the club is making a costly mistake—one they might regret for years to come.