Chelsea have officially signed Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United for £40million.
The fee makes Garnacho the most expensive academy graduate sale in United’s history, eclipsing the £24.5m received for David Beckham in 2003.
The 21-year-old winger has agreed a seven-year contract with the Blues after passing a medical on Friday. United have inserted a 10 per cent sell-on clause in the sale agreement.
Garnacho was in attendance at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca’s side eased past Fulham to win 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Now, the Argentina international will join his new team-mates as the international break falls upon us.
His first opportunity to suit up in his new colours will come on September 13 when Chelsea travel to west London rivals Brentford.
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho for £40m from Manchester United
The winger has agreed a seven-year contract, while United have a 10 per cent sell-on clause
Upon signing, Garnacho said: ‘It’s an incredible moment for my family and I to join this great club. I can’t wait to get started.
‘I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special – we’re the best team in the world!
‘It’s amazing to be here and I’m very happy.’
Garnacho joined United’s youth set-up from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 and went on to make 144 senior appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 22 assists.
He lifted the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, but fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim towards the end of last season.
Amorim told Garnacho at the end of the campaign that he was free to find a new club. The winger did not feature in pre-season and trained separately as part of the so-called ‘bomb squad’.
Garnacho also publicly expressed his frustration after being introduced only late in United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May, a moment which appeared to accelerate his exit.
Chelsea beat off competition to secure his signature after weeks of haggling over the fee.
Garnacho’s first opportunity to suit up for Chelsea will come on September 13 versus Brentford
The Blues initially offered £25m, but talks eventually settled at £40m plus the sell-on percentage.
Garnacho is expected to compete with fellow summer signing Jamie Gittens for a place on the left wing in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
He joins a raft of new arrivals at Stamford Bridge, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jorrel Hato and Brazilian teenager Estevao.
