Spain and Argentina have struggled to secure international service from Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho, who is yet to win a senior cap.
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho looks to have set an international future with Argentina, despite efforts by Spain to win him over.
Garnacho, 18, was born in Spain to an Argentinian mother, making him eligible for both countries. He has represented Spain at under-18 level and Argentina’s under-20 side, and earned his first senior call-up for the South American country in 2022.
He did not play during that training camp, and was left out of Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup winning squad. However, although Spain retain hopes of persuading him to turn around, the teenager has entered Scaloni’s latest squad with a clear message about his future.
Argentina boss Scaloni has named 35 players for the upcoming matches against Panama and Curacao. Garnacho is one of a number of Premier League stars to qualify, along with World Cup golden gloves winner Emi Martinez and tournament youngster Enzo Fernandez.
Brighton duo Alexis Mac Allister and Facundo Buonanotte also qualified, as did Manchester City pair Julian Alvarez and Maximo Perrone. The Premier League contingent was rounded out with Emi Buendia, Cristian Romero and Garnacho’s club teammate Lisandro Martinez.
Argentina will face Panama on March 23, with the Curacao game coming five days later. The double was their first cap since winning the World Cup in Qatar, and tournament player Lionel Messi was involved alongside the England-based stars.
Garnacho is understood to have spoken to Spanish officials after being left out of the World Cup squad. Manager Luis Enrique was said to be a fan before leaving his post in December, with Luis de la Fuente taking over.
The youngster could now make his way into Argentina’s senior ranks in a matter of weeks after showing some impressive club form. Garnacho scored his fourth goal of the season in midweek to help Man Utd knock West Ham out of the FA Cup, and has also scored in the Premier League and Europa League.
“I told him before the game, ‘You had an impact when you came on, but now you have to have an impact as a starter’,” said Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag after the effort against the Hammers. “I think he’s capable of doing it and that’s the next step he needs to take.
“It’s a great skill when you’re not afraid, when you’re brave. He’s one of those players that I think has very specific skills. Not many players in world football take players on, who are capable of just attacking players and dribbling them.
“But he has more skills than that, for example finishing. He also has a big engine. He is fast, he has speed and he can keep running for 90 minutes or 120 minutes.”