Aston Villa has announced the loan signing of Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho until the end of the 2026-27 season. The transfer includes an option for the deal to become permanent next summer if certain criteria are met, according to the London club. Garnacho, 22, has already agreed to a four-year contract with Villa Park.
The specifics of the obligation to buy clause have not been publicly disclosed by either club. However, it is anticipated that the clause will be triggered if Garnacho meets certain conditions, such as a specified number of appearances during the upcoming season. Chelsea anticipates these conditions to be readily met, aligning with their initial valuation of £43 million.
Garnacho's departure from Stamford Bridge follows Chelsea's recent acquisition of Morgan Rogers for a reported £117 million from Aston Villa. Villa head coach Unai Emery expressed his satisfaction with Garnacho's arrival, stating, "He is so talented, young and he showed us his wish to help our project. We are really happy."
Garnacho becomes Aston Villa's fourth signing of the summer, joining Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, and Modou Keba Cisse. Meanwhile, Villa's player sales this summer have amounted to nearly £200 million, with departures including Youri Tielemans, Donyell Malen, Enzo Barrenechea, and Lewis Dobbin.
Chelsea had been looking to offload Garnacho, whom they signed last September from Manchester United for £40 million. Manchester United would be entitled to 10% of any future transfer fee. Garnacho's contributions at Stamford Bridge were limited to one Premier League goal. The arrivals of Rogers and Sporting winger Geovany Quenda have further prompted Chelsea to reduce the size of their squad.