Villa arranged Garnacho on a loan with an obligation to buy if certain targets are met by the season’s end. Those conditions are widely viewed as achievable, but there are concerns the loan could mirror Harvey Elliott’s, where the obligation to buy did not trigger due to limited playing time.
Last year, Villa signed Elliott under a similar agreement, but he returned to Liverpool after not making enough appearances to trigger the Midlands club’s purchase option. Chelsea supporters fear a similar outcome for Garnacho.
Despite discussions among Chelsea fans about a permanent exit for Garnacho, there is no need for alarm. There remains a solid chance he could be sold at the end of the loan spell if things do not improve.
The Telegraph reports that Garnacho’s situation differs from Elliott’s. Sources indicate Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is confident that the Argentina international can rediscover his best form. Villa has already brought in Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, who has started contributing, including a goal in a 3-2 win over Tottenham and a goal in the Champions League, signaling positive momentum for the team.
With the international break behind them, Emery will be hoping to extract more from Garnacho than Chelsea managed. Garnacho scored just one goal in 24 Premier League appearances last season, highlighting the challenge he faces.
Garnacho has recorded only 30 minutes of competitive football this season, across three appearances. He has not yet scored or assisted. Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has suggested Garnacho may not have a clear path back to a Chelsea starting role, particularly under Xabi Alonso’s system, which does not rely on traditional wingers.
