Alejandro Garnacho Faces Xabi Alonso’s Axe After Troubled Year at Chelsea, Criticized by Teammates
Alejandro Garnacho’s tenure at Chelsea has been fraught with challenges, leading to uncertainty about his future under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Argentine winger, who joined Chelsea from Manchester United less than a year ago, is reportedly not in Alonso’s plans moving forward.
A Rocky Transition to Chelsea
Garnacho’s move to Chelsea came after a tumultuous period at Manchester United, where his relationship with the club soured. He transferred to Stamford Bridge late in the summer transfer window, seeking a fresh start. Initially, the £40 million deal seemed promising, but it has since been viewed as an expensive misstep for Chelsea, who have struggled to maximize his potential.
The departure of Enzo Maresca, the manager who brought Garnacho to Chelsea, further complicated matters. Maresca left mid-season to take charge at Manchester City, leaving Garnacho without the support of the coach who believed in him.
Managerial Instability
Liam Rosenior, who succeeded Maresca, lasted only 106 days before being dismissed as Chelsea’s season spiraled out of control. Xabi Alonso has now taken the helm, tasked with restoring order to a club whose erratic transfer strategy has drawn criticism.
As Garnacho contemplates his future, it is essential to review his tumultuous year at Chelsea.
Initial Impressions and Early Optimism
Upon joining Chelsea, Garnacho aimed to make a significant impact. His early training sessions reportedly impressed the coaching staff. Maresca noted that while Garnacho needed to improve his fitness, he was working hard and showing promise.
Garnacho himself expressed enthusiasm about joining a club with a winning mentality, stating that Chelsea’s recent success made it a natural fit for him. However, this initial optimism quickly faded.
Criticism from Teammates
Garnacho’s performance during a match against Manchester United in April highlighted his struggles. After coming off the bench to replace an injured teammate, he failed to make a meaningful impact, leading to criticism from his teammates at halftime. The match ended in a 1-0 defeat for Chelsea, further compounding Garnacho’s woes.
The situation worsened when former United teammate Luke Shaw shared a photo of himself tackling Garnacho, which was subsequently liked or commented on by several other United players, adding to the scrutiny he faced.
Alonso’s Decision to Move On
Xabi Alonso has reportedly decided to part ways with Garnacho, with Chelsea open to offers around £43 million. The 22-year-old has been informed that a regular starting position is not guaranteed, with interest from clubs in the Premier League, Italy, and Saudi Arabia.
In his first press conference as Chelsea’s manager, Alonso acknowledged discussions with the club’s sports directors regarding Garnacho’s future, indicating that there is interest from other clubs.
Internally, Chelsea hopes to finalize a deal for Garnacho soon, as they prepare to kick off their Premier League campaign against Fulham on August 24.
As reported by www.mirror.co.uk.
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Published on 2026-07-14 14:04:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk