Aston Villa are set to sign Alejandro Garnacho on an initial loan deal from Chelsea, but key updates have emerged on the reported obligation to buy clause.
The 22-year-old is expected to become Unai Emery’s third signing of the summer transfer window, with Villa already completing deals for Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes thus far.
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Albeit he has shown his talent and potential during spells with Manchester United and Chelsea, question marks remain over this particular move for many Villa fans, as Garnacho hasn’t been able to consistently deliver at a high level and has raised doubts over his character off the pitch.
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Nevertheless, that doesn’t seem to have put Emery off as we close in on a swoop for the Argentine winger, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the obligation to buy clause inserted into the loan agreement is believed to be easy to reach, to the point where a permanent transfer is almost guaranteed.
He doesn’t specifically note what the conditions are, but goes on to add that Chelsea consider him a future sale for their 2027 books, with Garnacho expected to put pen to paper on a four-year contract with Villa once it becomes a permanent move.
It was felt that the loan element of this move was critical, as it was almost a ‘prove it’ deal for Garnacho to warrant Villa spending a fee to sign him outright.
However, based on the reporting above, it sounds as though it’s going to be a mere formality that he becomes our player next summer, with The Athletic reporting that the conditional obligation is based on appearances, and once that is triggered, he will join us on a permanent basis.
It feels like a risk from Emery and Villa to to take on the task of helping Garnacho develop and become the top player that they believe he can be with the the financial faith put into this move, but it’s a challenge that they are seemingly eager to take on and hopefully he flourishes with the stable environment and backing that he will receive by the Villa boss, his staff and our squad.
His arrival helps address a key area that needed to be strengthened, particularly in light of Morgan Rogers’ departure to go the other way to Chelsea, but time will tell if the air of scepticism was warranted, or if Garnacho can prove to be a savvy signing who kicks on and has his best years in a Villa shirt.
A conditional deal worked wonders for Harvey Elliott last year. Garnacho needs to impress or Emery will simply sideline him.