Romano: Euro giants’ coach is ‘in love’ with ‘impactful’ Utd star who’s perfect for what they’re looking for

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·16 gennaio 2025

Romano: Euro giants’ coach is ‘in love’ with ‘impactful’ Utd star who’s perfect for what they’re looking for

If a suitable offer was to arrive before the February 3 deadline, Manchester United could part ways with Alejandro Garnacho much sooner than they’d imagined.

It’s a prospect that would’ve been entirely unthinkable for supporters after the young livewire opened the scoring for United in last season’s FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City. Now, his future isn’t guaranteed to be with his breakthrough club.

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The ever-reliable David Ornstein revealed last week that both Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were no longer considered off-limits amid INEOS’ quests to stay within the league’s financial limitations. Offloading homegrown talents, whose prospective departures would generate pure profit, may be the route they have to take.

Mainoo is believed to be attracting interest from Chelsea following reports of his contract talks reaching a standstill over wage demands, while his Argentine teammate is now being eyed up by Italian giants Napoli.

The latest on Napoli’s newly-established interest in Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho celebrates after assisting Bruno Fernandes vs Arsenal. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Indeed, the Serie A leaders have set their sights on Garnacho as they prepare for the imminent transfer of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. They value the in-form Red in the region of £38 million, though United would not entertain bids much lower than their £60m valuation.

Weighing in on the growing speculation surrounding the 20-year-old’s future, Fabrizio Romano told the Market Madness podcast panel: “He’s kind of a dream signing for Napoli.

“He’s a player they really appreciate internally. He’s a player they consider perfect for the skills he has. But at the same time, they are being realistic, and they know that Man United want big money for Garnacho, so it’s not going to be a signing for €35 or €40 million.

“So it depends on Napoli’s budget if they want to invest big money. That’s the dream signing also for Antonio Conte; the coach is in love with Garnacho. But at this point, they are being realistic.”