Alejandro Garnacho Named in Chelsea’s Champions League Squad After £40m Manchester United Exit
Alejandro Garnacho has officially been named in Chelsea’s 22-man squad for the opening stages of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. The 21-year-old Argentine star completed a £40 million switch from Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on August 30, ending one of the most talked-about transfer sagas of the summer.
In his first interview as a Chelsea player, Garnacho revealed that he grew up watching the Blues because of Eden Hazard.
“I used to watch the Premier League when I was young. Obviously Chelsea, because I liked Eden Hazard. That’s why I supported Chelsea a little,” Garnacho said.
The winger will wear the No.49 shirt, the same number he sported during his early years at Manchester United, and is expected to take on an attacking role under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Garnacho Listed as a Forward in UEFA Squad
According to the official UEFA website, Garnacho has been listed as a forward rather than a midfielder—highlighting his potential to strengthen Chelsea’s attacking options. With Nicolas Jackson leaving for Bayern Munich and Liam Delap sidelined through injury, the Blues have recalled Marc Guiu from his Sunderland loan. Garnacho’s versatility could prove crucial as Maresca looks to reshape his forward line.
Speaking about the Argentine’s qualities, Maresca highlighted his ability to change games from wide areas:
“When we look for a winger, we want someone who is good one-on-one, who can attack and create something. Jamie Gittens fits that profile, and so does Garnacho. He’s a winger who can make things happen.”
Chelsea’s 2025/26 Champions League Squad in Full
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen
Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Jorell Hato, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana
Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo
Forwards: Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Marc Guiu, Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho
With Champions League football on the horizon, all eyes will be on Garnacho as he looks to make an immediate impact in a Chelsea shirt.