Aston Villa Facing £42m Decision As 22-Year-Old Struggles: Should They Keep Him?

Aston Villa Facing £42m Decision As 22-Year-Old Struggles: Should They Keep Him? Reports that Alejandro Garnacho has reached the end of his Aston Villa loan have been downplayed by club sources. Graeme Bailey, relayed by LiveScore , reports that Villa have made no final decision yet. Garnacho joined from Chelsea on a season-long loan, with a reported £42 million appearance obligation. Suggestions claimed he was unlikely to reach the required number, potentially leaving Villa without a deal. Club sources reject that reading and insist Garnacho can still earn a move. Emery continues to believe the 22-year-old can prove himself. He is expected to receive opportunities during the season. His opening weeks have been difficult. The Argentine has made three Premier League substitute appearances and remained unused against Coventry City. He was again on the bench at Tottenham . Emery explained that Garnacho remains behind his teammates after a facial injury disrupted his pre-season. Villa have kept the door open despite the focus on his clause. Should Aston Villa keep Alejandro Garnacho? BRUGES, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 08: Alejandro Garnacho of Aston Villa looks on from the bench before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Club Brugge KV and Aston Villa FC at Jan Breydel Stadium on September 08, 2026 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) My view is that Villa should give Garnacho a chance before judging, but they shouldn’t ignore his limited minutes. Three league appearances provide too little evidence for a £42 million permanent commitment. There is still a sporting case for patience. Garnacho offers explosive acceleration, directness and the ability to attack from either flank. From the left, he can cut inside onto his right foot, while his pace can stretch defenders during transitions. Those qualities could prove useful across a season. Yet Emery needs more than speed. Garnacho has weaknesses with final-third decisions, possession security and defensive work. He can shoot from difficult angles, give the ball away and struggle with the pressing discipline Emery demands from wide players. Those issues matter in Villa’s structure. Competition has increased the problem. Emery has praised George Hemmings, Alysson and Ibrahim Mbaye, with Hemmings earning regular opportunities. Villa shouldn’t block players producing more simply because Garnacho carries a purchase clause. Even so, writing him off now would be premature. His facial injury disrupted pre-season, and Emery has said he remains behind the group because of those circumstances. A few strong cameos could alter the picture. The financial question remains serious. If Garnacho cannot earn regular minutes, around £42 million represents a sizeable commitment for a player who hasn’t established himself under Emery. Villa should judge him on performances, tactical response and consistency rather than reputation. Give him the opportunity first, then make the decision later for Villa.