Chelsea are ready to cut losses on Alejandro Garnacho just 12 months after paying around £40m to sign him from Manchester United, with the winger unable to force a regular place. The club’s summer rebuild under incoming coach Xabi Alonso could see several forwards moved on as Chelsea reshape a squad that finished tenth last season.
Chelsea prepared to sell Alejandro Garnacho after underwhelming first season
Chelsea are open to offers for Alejandro Garnacho after a disappointing debut campaign at Stamford Bridge. Signed from Manchester United for roughly £40m last summer, the 21-year-old never established himself in the side, starting only 14 Premier League games and scoring once. With Xabi Alonso arriving to begin a new era, Chelsea appear ready to cut short a move that has not delivered the hoped-for impact.
What went wrong for Garnacho
Garnacho arrived as a player looking to rebuild. He struggled to displace established options in the final third and was used more as a substitute than a consistent starter. Tactical inconsistency across a turbulent season, limited minutes and fierce competition for attacking spots stunted his development. For a club under pressure to improve quickly, patience is already thin.
Broader summer clear-out possible at Stamford Bridge
Garnacho is not the only player likely to attract interest. Chelsea face what amounts to a mid-squad reset after a chaotic campaign that ended in a tenth-place finish. Financial and sporting imperatives mean several fringe or underperforming players could be moved on to free wages and create space for Alonso’s signings.
Players likely to be available
Liam Delap, who suffered a major injury and failed to make a consistent impact, looks to have lost backing. Nicolas Jackson, returning from a loan at Bayern Munich, may be surplus following the arrival of Joao Pedro. Defenders such as Axel Disasi and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen have also been linked to possible departures as Chelsea trim and retool.
Youth and fringe players — mixed futures
Some recent signings have been given more time. Jamie Gittens, acquired last summer, will likely be afforded another season to prove himself. Sporting Lisbon winger Geovany Quenda, signed in March 2025, is set to arrive this summer and add competition on the flanks.
What this means for Xabi Alonso’s incoming project
Bringing in Alonso signals a serious reset. He inherits a squad that underachieved and went through multiple managerial changes, losing seven of the final ten league games. Early transfer activity that trims underperformers and brings in players suited to his model will be a priority. Selling Garnacho would be a pragmatic move to avoid carrying a high-fee asset who hasn’t fit the system.
Retention battles: Enzo Fernández and others
Chelsea will aim to keep key midfield assets, notably Enzo Fernández, despite reported interest from elite clubs. Holding onto core creative players will be vital to give Alonso a platform to rebuild. The balance between selling to fund change and retaining a competitive spine will define Chelsea’s summer.
Why this matters — short and medium-term outlook
A cleanup of fringe and misfiring signings allows Chelsea to reset wage structure, squad balance and tactical identity under Alonso. In the short term it signals accountability for underperformance; in the medium term it offers a clearer blueprint for recruitment and development.
Marco Palestra ready to reject Premier League move and join Inter
How quickly Alonso can reshape recruitment and integrate new arrivals will determine whether Chelsea can halt a period of decline and return to consistent top-six contention.
Mirror
