Napoli's Pursuit of Garnacho: A Turning Point in Transfer Talks

Alejandro Garnacho may be on the move before the winter transfer window in the European football leagues closes on February 3. Manchester United’s left-winger is targeted by Napoli, who has already sent a €50 million offer for the Argentinian. The United fans have not many reasons to be optimistic this season, and selling one of their favorites may not sit well with them, but it is a fact that the team needs changes, and selling Garnacho may prove to be the right move long term. 

Napoli is parting ways with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is finalizing the deal to move to PSG. The Georgian international was the heart and soul for Napoli, and the Italian team sees Garnacho as a desired replacement to keep them high in the football team rankings in Serie A.

Garnacho was seen as one of the cornerstones in the rebuild of United, but the 20-year-old may be on the move since his value on the market is very high. The team from Old Trafford seeks €70 million for Garnacho, and Napoli may get closer to that number as the deadline approaches. The first offer was not accepted immediately, as United is ready to hear what other teams like Juventus have to say.

Garnacho joined United in 2020 and, two years later, made his debut for the senior squad shortly after his 18th birthday. He played in all but one Premier League match this season for United, scoring three goals. However, he started in only half of those and played 57% of the maximum minutes. In the Europa League, the Argentinian suited up six times and scored once.

Garnacho was left off the squad for the Manchester derby against City on December 15 and has played a total of 89 minutes in the next four games. However, Garnacho started the last match in the FA Cup encounter against Arsenal as Amorim was happy with his form and had not many other options available.

"Amad Diallo had a small issue during the week, and I like the way Garnacho plays—he is playing well," Amorim said pre-game. "The way he is training, we felt it was a good opportunity to see Garnacho start the game."

United is struggling in the Premier League, being in 13th place after 20 rounds in the 2024-25 season, and experts predict that manager Ruben Amorim is ready to shake up the roster. Besides Garnacho, the team is ready to part ways with Marcus Rashford and to use the money from both transfers to rebuild the squad. Both players have spent their entire senior careers at Old Trafford, and the team has turned to selling their own talent in order to shape the roster with new signings.

United is targeting PSG’s Nuno Mendes, who Amorim sees as a perfect player for his 3-4-3 formation. The 22-year-old has a €55 million price tag, and United may use the money from Garnacho’s transfer to land the Portuguese left-back. Mendes made only ten appearances this season in Ligue 1 but played all 90 minutes in the last game against Saint-Étienne.

The next couple of weeks will have a huge impact on United as they are going into the second part of the season with their backs against the wall. Amorim took over the team on November 1 and is still trying to implement his style on the team. Of course, United sees him as a long-term solution for the managerial spot, and the Portuguese need to add players he would consistently count on. 

It’s been a while since United has been at the top of English football, and this transfer window may set the club back on the winning track. Currently, they are still looking for their identity under Amorim, and it is only a matter of time before we see the good old United.



 

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