Lionel Messi has announced his feelings about the teammate Alejandro Garnacho of Argentina, who is currently talking about a possible relocation of Manchester United to Chelsea
Alejandro Garnacho can split the opinion at Manchester United, but Lionel Messi does not hesitate about the talent of the winger. Garnacho, 21, is expected to leave United this summer, in which Chelsea appears as front runners for his signature.
The blues are supposed to have agreed personal conditions with the Argentinian and have now opened conversations with United. But they are still a way to reach a complete agreement.
According to the Telegraph, United holds £ 50 million full, while Chelsea pushes to lower the price to around £ 40 million. The attitude of the London Club is reinforced by Garnacho's tense relationship with United Baas Ruben Amorim, as well as the needs of the Red Devils to raise money.
United is about to sign RB Leipzig -striker Benjamin Sesko – a movement that will push their summer spending to and possibly outside, with £ 200 million – with £ 130 million already spent on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Garnacho struggled for consistency last season, despite registering a career-best return of 11 goals and 10 assists. His campaign was also overshadowed by accusations of posture issues, fed by his public bust with Amorim.
But although his domestic reputation has been beating, the stock of Garnacho remains high abroad. He is still considered a rare talent with a high potential-a vision, it seems that it is not only shared by international teammate Messi, but also by various other balloon d'Or winners.
Garnacho was one of the nominees for last year's Kopa trophy – awarded to the world's best player younger than 21 years. Barcelona Prodigy Lamine Yamal claimed the honor with a broad margin, but Garnacho still earned the support of some illustrious names.
According to L'Equipe, Messi was one of the three voters to place him third, next to Karim Benzema and the German Grote Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The Dutch legend Marco van Basten went one step further and arranged Garnaacho second. It still underlines the respect that Garnacho still recommends despite his recent problems at United.
Messi-one eight times Ballon d'Or winner was witnessed by the talent of the young person firsthand in international duty.
Van Basten – One of only five players who won the Ballon d'Or more than twice, who claims the prize in 1988, 1989 and 1992 – is generally considered one of the biggest attackers in football history. Likewise, Rummenigge-a dual winner (1980 and 1981)-over it is generally classified as one of the best attackers of his generation, such as Benzema, who took the prize in 2022.
If Garnacho joins Chelsea, he will be confronted with fierce competition for a few minutes. Just like United, the blues have refused their forward line this summer and added Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Brazilian wonder kid Estevao. A movement for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is also in the making.
Nevertheless, a switch to Stamford Bridge Garnacho would offer both a new start and an important challenge – exactly what he needs in this phase of his career. At the age of 21 he still has enough time to develop and prove his value at the highest level, but the pressure to perform consistently will be intense, especially given the competition for places in a team who wants to recover his status under Europe elite.
Chelsea's ambitious recruitment drive indicates their intention to build a young, dynamic attack, and Garnacho's tempo and flair could make him a key figure in that vision – provided that he can regain his focus and retain discipline.
For now, Garnacho is waiting in a cloud of uncertainty, but stimulated by the silent approval of some of the greatest figures of football, the promise of a bright future remains unmistakably within reach.