Garnacho dropped from Chelsea's protected list, handing Man United a potential £4m windfall

Alejandro Garnacho is available for transfer from Chelsea less than 12 months after joining the club, with the 22-year-old winger omitted from the Blues’ protected list and the club open only to a permanent sale, according to The Athletic.

Garnacho moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester United last summer for £40m following a falling-out with manager Ruben Amorim. He made 43 appearances in his debut season but failed to nail down a starting role under either Enzo Maresca or Liam Rosenior, and with Xabi Alonso now in charge, his prospects appear no brighter. Chelsea have already signed Geovany Quenda to add further competition on the wing, with the young Portuguese winger completing individual work at the club’s Cobham training base ahead of the squad’s return.

Chelsea have not yet entered formal club-to-club discussions over Garnacho’s exit, but are understood to be willing to part ways after an underwhelming first term. The club will not sanction a loan — any departure must be permanent. Garnacho remains under contract in west London until 2032.

For United, the situation carries a financial upside. The club negotiated a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of last summer’s deal, meaning any future fee above the original £40m would generate additional income at Old Trafford.

Garnacho is not the only former United player whose next move could benefit the club’s finances. Mason Greenwood looks set to leave Marseille, with Roma among the interested parties and the Italian club reportedly preparing a €45m (£38.6m) offer. United are understood to hold a sell-on clause entitling them to up to 50 per cent of a future fee.

A further windfall could follow if Hull City complete their reported pursuit of Facundo Pellistri, who United sold to Panathinaikos in August 2024 with a reported 50 per cent sell-on clause attached.