The Stuttering Start to a Blue Career
Chelsea's audacious £40m move for Alejandro Garnacho in the summer of 2025 always carried an element of risk. The Argentine winger had a very public fallout with his former coach, Ruben Amorim, at Manchester United, culminating in a spot in the infamous 'bomb squad'. His petulant comments about United's season following a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham certainly didn't help matters.
Waiting until the final days of the transfer window, Chelsea shrewdly negotiated the price down from an initial £70m. The Blues secured a seemingly good deal for a 21-year-old with immense potential and Premier League experience. Yet, almost a year on, this calculated risk appears to be backfiring spectacularly.
From Old Trafford Hope to Stamford Bridge Head-Scratcher
Initially lauded as a wonderkid during his Manchester United days, Garnacho has struggled to replicate that promise in West London. A turbulent summer and a late transfer might offer some reprieve, but the level of performance expected from a player of his calibre remains elusive. The anticipated explosion of talent has instead been a whimper, leading to growing frustration among the Chelsea faithful.
The Stats Don't Lie: A Winger's Woes
On paper, Garnacho's nine goal involvements for Chelsea this season might not seem catastrophic. However, a deeper dive reveals a worrying trend: the majority of these contributions came in less demanding fixtures against teams like Qarabag, Cardiff City, and Wolves. His sole Premier League goal arrived way back in October against Sunderland, a stark indicator of his struggles in top-flight action.
More concerning than the numbers is his apparent inability to carry the threat he once possessed at Old Trafford. Attacks frequently fizzle out when the ball reaches his feet, a stark contrast to the dynamic play he was known for. This lack of penetration, coupled with his contentious past as a former Manchester United player, has amplified the murmurs of discontent from the stands.
