Alejandro Garnacho has been named in Chelsea’s 22-man squad for the opening stages of this season’s Champions League, with his position being listed on the UEFA website.
Alejandro Garnacho has officially joined Chelsea from Manchester United in a £40 million deal on August 30, ending a summer-long transfer saga that dominated the headlines.
In his first interview as a Blue, the 21-year-old revealed that he had supported Chelsea as a youngster — largely thanks to Eden Hazard.
“I used to watch the Premier League when I was young,” Garnacho explained. “Obviously Chelsea, because I liked Eden Hazard. That’s why I supported Chelsea, a bit.”
Garnacho will continue wearing the No.49 shirt, the same number he wore during his breakthrough at United. He has been registered as a forward on Chelsea’s Champions League squad list, suggesting Enzo Maresca could use him in a more advanced role rather than in midfield.
Chelsea’s attacking options have been hit hard in recent weeks. Liam Delap is sidelined through injury, while Nicolas Jackson has departed for Bayern Munich. The situation has already forced the club to recall Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland, which could open the door for Garnacho to feature prominently in the forward line.
Maresca praised the Argentine’s ability to create from wide areas, hinting at how he plans to use him.
“When we look for wingers, we want players who can take on opponents one-v-one, who can attack and create,” said the Italian coach. “Jamie Gittens has that profile, and Garnacho does too. He is strong in those situations, and he can make things happen. That’s how I see him fitting in.”
Chelsea’s Champions League squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Robert Sánchez, Filip Jørgensen
Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana
Midfielders: Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Dário Essugo, Andrey Santos, Moisés Caicedo
Forwards: Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, João Pedro, Marc Guiu, Estêvão, Alejandro Garnacho
