'Shadow of Elliott saga hangs over Garnacho future'

[Getty Images] Alejandro Garnacho had no future with Xabi Alonso's new-look Chelsea - he did not train with the squad before leaving for Aston Villa in July. So the move to Villa Park suits all parties. Chelsea have the chance to make their money back on their outlay to sign him from Manchester United, Villa get an international winger and the player has a chance to revitalise a flailing career. However that does not necessarily mean it will be a success. There is an obligation to buy tied into the loan that is believed to relate to appearances, and it is expected to be achievable - but that does not guarantee anything. For instance, Harvey Elliott would have triggered a move worth £35m if he made just 10 Premier League appearances last season. However the Liverpool loanee - now at Valencia - was used just four times by Villa in the top flight. Emery did not feel the 23-year-old was good enough and decided he did not want to be obliged to sign Elliott permanently just a couple of months into the season. It raised the question for some within the game about whether a loan at Villa should be viewed with caution, and whether other players' careers could be derailed in the way Elliott experienced. It was accepted that Elliott's options this summer were not as extensive following his season of inactivity at Villa Park. Time will tell whether Garnacho faces the same struggle, on the back of his career stalling over the past two years. He made his Manchester United debut aged 17 and was part of Argentina's Copa America‑winning squad in 2024, but has not added to his eight international caps since November of that year. The Madrid-born forward also won the Premier League's goal of the season award in 2023-24 for his overhead kick against Everton while playing for United, but his output for Chelsea was disappointing. Emery is waiting to see if Garnacho fulfils his potential at Villa, but the winger will have to wait until he gains the coach's trust, and then take his chance. Read the full article here