Napoli lead race as Man Utd winger pushed out in £50m deal | OneFootball

Garnacho nears Man Utd exit amid Amorim fallout and Napoli interest

Napoli move closer to securing Garnacho in £50m deal

Alejandro Garnacho’s time at Manchester United appears to be coming to an abrupt end, with sources confirming to iNews that Napoli are set to open formal negotiations this week over a potential £50 million transfer. The Serie A champions, who have long held an interest in the Argentine winger, are expected to meet with United officials to reach a compromise after failing with a £40 million bid in January.

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United’s valuation of the 20-year-old had previously been closer to £60 million, but the club’s current need to generate funds for a summer rebuild under Ruben Amorim has softened that stance. A deal in the region of £50 million is now being considered viable by both parties.

Garnacho’s omission from the matchday squad against Aston Villa on the final day of the season, coupled with his exclusion from the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, underscores the breakdown in his relationship with Amorim. “Alejandro Garnacho continues to be a Man United player, not in the squad today but still a Man United player,” Amorim told reporters before the Villa clash. “He will fly with us for the post-season tour. We need to be all there, we have to give something back to our fans.”

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Amorim fallout signals wider clear-out plans

The winger’s apparent frustration at being left out of key fixtures has played a significant role in the breakdown of his position at Old Trafford. Amorim, who is overseeing a squad transition, has made it clear Garnacho is no longer in his plans. United sources indicated the club now view Garnacho as a 100 per cent profit sale under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, making him an appealing departure from both a sporting and financial perspective.

Garnacho will still travel with the squad on their post-season tour to Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, but insiders suggest this is more of a PR move than a sign of reconciliation. “Selling Garnacho is high on United’s agenda,” said a source. “His inclusion on the Asia tour is symbolic, not strategic.”

Chelsea interest remains but Napoli lead race

Chelsea remain admirers of Garnacho and have held discussions over a potential move. However, Napoli are understood to be in a stronger position, with their sporting director Giovanni Manna, leading efforts to secure the deal. Garnacho’s profile — young, versatile and marketable — fits Napoli’s blueprint, particularly as they prepare for the potential exit of key squad players this summer.

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Napoli’s pursuit is also boosted by their impending free transfer signing of Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to join on a two-year contract. Although Antonio Conte’s future as manager remains uncertain, the club’s recruitment drive appears unaffected.

Multiple Man Utd exits expected in Ineos-led overhaul

Garnacho’s departure is unlikely to be the only major exit. United are prepared to offload several high-profile names in an effort to meet financial thresholds and reshape the squad.

Marcus Rashford is attracting strong interest from Barcelona, with sporting director Deco publicly acknowledging their admiration. Antony, after a strong loan spell at Real Betis, could command around £40 million in the current market.

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Jadon Sancho’s future also lies away from Old Trafford. While Chelsea are reluctant to make his loan permanent, other suitors may emerge. Even captain Bruno Fernandes is not immune to change, with Al-Hilal willing to make a £100 million offer to secure him as their marquee signing of the summer.

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With Amorim tasked with building a side that aligns with his tactical approach and with financial regulations in mind, United’s transfer strategy this summer will be defined as much by outgoings as incomings.

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For Manchester United supporters, this report feels like another painful marker of where the club currently stands — drifting between conflicting visions, shedding talent not because it is surplus to requirements, but because it fits a spreadsheet better than it fits the manager’s system.

Garnacho may not be the finished product, but he’s one of the few attacking players in the squad who brought urgency, directness and — crucially — a connection with the fans. Seeing him shipped off to Napoli, potentially to flourish elsewhere, raises uncomfortable questions about United’s long-term direction.

We’ve seen players leave under strange circumstances before, but Garnacho’s case feels needlessly self-inflicted. A falling-out with a new manager is not uncommon, yet the speed and severity of this rift is jarring. Was there no way back? No middle ground?

Supporters want to believe in a project, in a rebuild with purpose. But selling a 20-year-old academy graduate with clear upside feels more like short-term accounting than long-term planning. Yes, £50 million looks good on a balance sheet, but if Garnacho lights up Serie A while United are still searching for width and flair, what will that money mean?