Alejandro Garnacho, the Second Alumnus of Manchester United's "Bomb Squad"?

MANCHESTER, THURSDAY — Manchester United has spent over 200 million pounds in this summer's transfer market. Despite such massive shopping efforts, the "Red Devils" have not sold a single player.

In fact, there are at least three players from the "Bomb Squad" such as Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Jadon Sancho who could be sources of income. The term Bomb Squad refers to players who are not included in Amorim's tactical scheme. Among the three, Garnacho's fate is beginning to show signs of clarity.

According to a report by The Telegraph on Thursday (August 28, 2025), Garnacho is edging closer to leaving Manchester United. Chelsea is said to be the frontrunner to secure his signature. The West London club has long been eyeing Garnacho, who is considered a good fit for manager Enzo Maresca's playing style.

MU has set a price of 50 million pounds for clubs interested in acquiring Garnacho's services. This is a relatively high price considering Garnacho is still under contract until 2028. However, recent developments indicate that the Red Devils are willing to lower the price so that the 21-year-old player can secure a new club soon.

"Manchester United is close to reaching an agreement worth between 35 million to 40 million pounds to sell 21-year-old Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho to another English Premier League club, Chelsea," wrote The Telegraph.

Before including Garnacho in their transfer radar, Chelsea conducted several assessments regarding his character and playing style in relation to the team's needs. Overall, the Argentine winger is considered to have proven himself in the English Premier League.

Garnacho no longer has a future at MU. Amorim openly classified him as part of the Bomb Squad. This group consists of several players, including Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia.

Among all the players in the Bomb Squad, only Rashford has secured a new destination, albeit as a loan player at Barcelona. This means Rashford is the first alumnus of the Bomb Squad.

Rashford has the potential to secure a permanent deal if he performs well at Barcelona this season. The price set by Manchester United for Barcelona to redeem him at the end of the season is also considered affordable, at only 30 million pounds.

On the other hand, Antony wishes to return to Real Betis but is hindered by a complicated negotiation process between the two clubs. Betis wants Antony on a loan basis, but MU only intends to sell him permanently for a price of around 43 million pounds.

Unlike Antony's situation, transfer expert journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that the process of Garnacho's transfer to Chelsea will happen soon. Thus, Garnacho has the opportunity to become the second player from the Bomb Squad to officially secure a new club.

"Chelsea has confirmed their proposal worth 35 or 40 million pounds as a complete package, awaiting the green light from Manchester United. The deal will happen; it's just a matter of time, as Garnacho only wants Chelsea," said Romano.

If in the eyes of Amorim Garnacho he was nothing, to Enzo Maresca he meant everything. Chelsea under Maresca transformed into a team with an attractive attacking style of play and high pressing. Maresca's playing style, in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, demands wingers capable of breaking through the defense, creating chances, and contributing defensively.

Garnacho is considered to meet those criteria. Moreover, Maresca continues to strive to enhance the depth of his attacking line after being unsatisfied with the arrivals of Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro.

On the other hand, the uncertainty surrounding the future of Mykhailo Mudryk, the departure of Noni Madueke, and Sancho has opened up opportunities for a new winger at Chelsea. During his time at MU, Garnacho excelled at playing on the left wing but can also maneuver on the right or as a number 10 player. He brings the flexibility that Maresca has been seeking.

The tally of 11 goals and 10 assists last season reflects Garnacho's strengths as both a creator and a prolific goal scorer. If his transfer materializes, he will follow in Rashford's footsteps as an alumnus of the Bomb Squad. Furthermore, his presence at Chelsea intensifies the competition in the left-wing position, which is also occupied by Gittens.