General view on a soccer ball in the back of the net. Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Chelsea finally ends long-running transfer saga

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 1:43 PM ET

Alejandro Garnacho has been a reported target for Chelsea all summer.

The Manchester United winger has been deemed surplus to requirements by Ruben Amorim, and Garnacho's attitude after being dropped for the Europa League Final is believed to have played a part in his sudden availability.

Despite Chelsea's long-reported interest, the offer has taken time to materialize. Christopher Nkunku's impending $40.9 million transfer to AC Milan has provided Chelsea with the finances needed to wrap up a deal for Garnacho.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea has paid almost $54 million to pry the winger from United. In doing so, Enzo Maresca now has one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League at his disposal.

BREAKING: Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, here we go! Deal done between #CFC and Man United.

Garnacho only wanted Chelsea and will sign seven year deal at the club for fee close to £40m package.

Story from July, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/TMHTkA9JM8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2025

Garnacho is a graduate of United's famed academy. As such, his sale will represent pure profit for the club, easing concerns over Profit and Sustainability rules. It's also worth noting that United has raked in roughly $21 million in sell-on fees this summer.

United got $8.1 million from Anthony Elanga's move to Newcastle United. $10.2 million from Alvaro Fernandez's transfer to Real Madrid. And, $2.7 when Maxi Oyedele joined Strasbourg.

Two members of Amorim's five-man "bomb squad" have now departed the club. Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan earlier this summer. Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia remain with the team but could be sold or loaned out before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.

Garnacho's departure represents another step toward to realizing Amorim's vision for the team. United has now removed two of its best wingers. Amorim has replaced them with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom will fill a No. 10 role.

United fans will undoubtedly be hoping that the team starts to reap the benefits of this summer's transfer moves. Because right now, United is winless in three games, and things look just as bad as they did last season. Fortunately, there's still plenty of time for that to change.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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