Manchester United already know Lionel Messi's opinion as '£50m transfer demands made'

Manchester United already know Lionel Messi's opinion as '£50m transfer demands made'

Ruben Amorim is looking to offload Alejandro Garnacho this month, and the Manchester United winger has made it clear he wants to join Chelsea, while Lionel Messi's opinion of the Argentine is clear

Lionel Messi's thoughts on Alejandro Garnacho have been made clear (Image: Getty Images)

Alejandro Garnacho may split opinions among Manchester United fans, but Lionel Messi holds no reservations about the winger's ability.

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The 21-year-old is expected to leave United this summer, with Chelsea emerging as the leading contenders for his signature. The Blues have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with the Argentine and have opened negotiations with United. However, a full agreement is still some distance away.

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The Telegraph reports that United are demanding £50million, while Chelsea are trying to reduce that figure to roughly £40m. The Blues' position is bolstered by Garnacho's strained relationship with manager Ruben Amorim, as well as United's need to generate funds.

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The Red Devils are close to securing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, a transfer that will push their summer expenditures near, if not past, £200m, following £130m spent on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Last season, Garnacho struggled for consistency despite achieving a personal best of 11 goals and 10 assists. His season was also marred by accusations of attitude problems, amplified by a public spat with Amorim.

Though his reputation in England has suffered, Garnacho remains highly regarded internationally. He is still seen as a rare, promising talent – a view shared not only by Argentina team-mate Messi but also by several other Ballon d'Or recipients.

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Alejandro Garnacho is expected to leave Manchester United this summer (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Garnacho was nominated for last year's Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player in the world under the age of 21. Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal won convincingly, but Garnacho gained support from several distinguished figures.

According to L'Equipe, Messi was among three voters who placed Garnacho third, alongside Karim Benzema and German legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Dutch icon Marco van Basten ranked him second, underscoring the respect Garnacho commands despite his recent difficulties at United.

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Messi – who has won the Ballon d'Or a record eight times – has seen Garnacho's talent up close on international duty.

Van Basten, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner (1988, 1989, and 1992), is widely considered one of football's all-time great forwards. Likewise, Rummenigge, a two-time recipient (1980 and 1981), is recognised as one of the finest attackers of his era, as is Benzema, the 2022 winner.

Messi and Garnacho have teamed together with Argentina (Image: Getty Images)

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If Garnacho moves to Chelsea, he will face stiff competition for playing time. Like United, Chelsea have revamped their attack this summer, bringing in Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Brazilian starlet Estevao. A potential transfer for RB Leipzig's creative midfielder Xavi Simons is also in the pipelines.

Still, a move to Stamford Bridge would provide Garnacho with a fresh start and a significant challenge – just what he needs at this point in his career.

At 21, he has plenty of time to grow and prove himself at the top level, but he will face intense pressure to deliver consistently, especially amid the fierce competition for spots in a squad determined to reassert itself among Europe's elite.

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Chelsea's aggressive recruitment highlights their goal to assemble a young, energetic attack, and Garnacho's speed and flair could make him an important part of that plan - if he can restore his focus and discipline.

For now, Garnacho remains in limbo, but with silent support from some of football's greatest icons, the potential for a bright future is clearly still within his grasp.

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