The summer transfer window has taken another dramatic turn as Chelsea’s relentless chase for Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho suffered yet another setback.
Despite submitting their fourth official bid, believed to be a record-breaking proposal, the Blues have once again been turned down by United.
According to reports, a high-level meeting between the two Premier League giants took place in London yesterday, and while Chelsea arrived confident of finally striking a deal, Manchester United’s stance remained firm.
The Old Trafford hierarchy not only rejected the offer — said to be worth over £85 million with additional performance-related bonuses — but also laid out three highly unusual conditions that completely caught Chelsea’s negotiators by surprise.
United’s Three Shock Conditions
Sources familiar with the talks have revealed the three demands that stunned Chelsea:
No Guaranteed Starting Role at Chelsea
Manchester United requested written assurance that Garnacho would not be guaranteed an immediate place in Chelsea’s first team.
The rationale behind this unusual request was to shield the 20-year-old from unnecessary pressure and to ensure his development is carefully managed, even if he switched clubs.
Performance-Based Buy-Back Clause
United demanded a unique buy-back clause tied exclusively to Garnacho’s performances. This means that if he met certain on-field targets, United would have the option to bring him back.
Such a clause is rare, particularly in high-profile transfers between Premier League rivals, making it a major sticking point.
Control Over Global Image Rights
Perhaps the most shocking requirement was United’s insistence on retaining partial ownership of Garnacho’s image rights.
This unusual demand was reportedly linked to the club’s long-term marketing strategy, ensuring they continue to benefit from the player’s growing global appeal even if he left Old Trafford.
A source close to the negotiations stated, “Chelsea were prepared to break the bank, but United’s conditions were completely unexpected. It wasn’t about the fee — it was about power, control, and legacy.”
What This Means for Chelsea
The rejection is a major blow for the London side, who see Garnacho as a potential cornerstone for their long-term rebuild under Enzo Maresca. The young Argentine winger has quickly become a fan favorite at Old Trafford thanks to his explosive pace, fearless dribbling, and clutch performances, making him a vital piece of Erik ten Hag’s future plans.
Chelsea could still return with a revised proposal, but United’s current stance is crystal clear: Garnacho will not leave unless their strict conditions are met. For now, the 20-year-old remains silent amid the speculation, leaving fans and pundits to wonder whether this high-profile transfer saga will escalate further before the window closes.
