Xabi Alonso talks about Alejandro Garnacho’s future after missing pre-season training
Chelsea’s manager, Xabi Alonso, spoke openly about Alejandro Garnacho’s future after the Argentine player didn’t show up for pre-season training.
Garnacho joined Chelsea from Manchester United last summer for £40 million and signed a seven-year deal, but it looks like he might be moving on. The winger scored one goal and made four assists in 24 league games in his first season at Stamford Bridge but missed the recent training sessions. Chelsea wants to sell him before the transfer deadline on September 1.
The club values Garnacho at around £43 million and prefers to sell him permanently, even though Roma from Serie A are interested in a loan. Manchester United will get 10% of any transfer fee. Other clubs from the Premier League and Saudi Arabia have also shown interest in the 22-year-old.
If Garnacho leaves, he’ll be one of several players to go since Alonso took over, including Tyrique George, who joined Everton, and Marc Cucurella, who moved to Real Madrid.
Alonso said during his first press conference as Chelsea’s manager, “We have spoken with the sporting director, and another club is interested. Let’s see how it goes. I hope it works out well for everyone.”
Trevoh Chalobah might join Inter or Como this summer too, while Enzo Fernández’s future is still unclear amid rumors linking him to Real Madrid. Alonso mentioned Fernández during the press conference: “Yes, we have talked, but what we discussed is private. But yes, we have spoken.” When asked if he wants Fernández to stay, Alonso simply said, “Yes.”
Chelsea has already signed full-back Marco Palestra and winger Geovany Quenda from Atalanta and Sporting CP this summer.
Unlike most teams that hire head coaches, Chelsea gave Alonso the title of manager when he joined this summer. He explained what that means: “It means we work together on squad decisions every day and during training. I’m involved in this, but deciding on players and positions is a joint effort with the sporting directors. We’re on the same page and have clear priorities for the team. This is how we work.”