Manchester United are reportedly set to offer wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho a huge pay rise as they attempt to keep him out of the clutches of Real Madrid.
The Argentinian youngster has enjoyed an impressive breakout season under Erik ten Hag this term. He has made 15 appearances for the Red Devils throughout the campaign, scoring twice and providing five assists in all competitions.
Garnacho recently impressed having been introduced from the bench against Manchester City and turned the game in his side’s favour by setting up Marcus Rashford for the winning goal. Despite his impressive form this season, there is worry over the 18-year-old’s long-term United future.
Having arrived at the club from Atletico Madrid and progressed through the club’s youth system, he has just a year-and-a-half remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford albeit the club retaining an option to extend that by a further campaign. Whilst he has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, clubs are beginning to circle.
Spanish giants Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in taking him back to Spain, whilst Juventus are also noted as admirers. In an effort to keep him, the Red Devils having opened up fresh talks with a new wage expected to be on offer according to ESPN.
Garnacho’s pay has regularly increased since his arrival but fresh terms are being negotiated. Ten Hag is likely to be keen for the young forward to remain at Old Trafford having been hugely complimentary of his abilities since his progression into the first team.
How impressed have you been with Alejandro Garnacho this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Speaking after the Red Devils’ Manchester Derby victory, the Dutchman said: “He [Garnacho] has a skill that I don’t see many players in the Premier League having — he beats players one on one. He’s learnt in the last months about how to play in a team, how to live, how to do the right things in the week, how to have the right attitude on the training ground and you see how he’s acting as a team player and with his individual skills that can make the difference.
“Also for him it’s to keep going in the process. It’s not done. There is a lot to come. There is a lot of room for improvement with him but he can help, he can contribute on the highest level already and I’m really happy.
“It’s a bonus for us as a club that you bring in young players and they can come not only into the squad but the team and I think that is a part of our project that has to contribute to our success.”
Garnacho’s form this season was good enough to see him placed on Argentina’s provisional squad list for the World Cup but he missed out on a place at the tournament itself as the South American side claimed the title against France.
He was part of the United side that lifted the FA Youth Cup against Nottingham Forest last term with his progression enough to see him impress Ten Hag.