In the whirlwind of the 2025 summer transfer window, darts prodigy and ardent Manchester United fan Luke Littler has ignited a firestorm of speculation with his outspoken push for the Red Devils to offload winger Alejandro Garnacho in a daring swap deal. The 18-year-old World Darts Champion, fresh off showcasing his latest trophy at Old Trafford, didn’t hold back in his assessment of United’s transfer strategy, urging the club to capitalize on Garnacho’s uncertain future to secure Aston Villa’s prolific striker Ollie Watkins. “There are obviously rumours that Garnacho could be going to Villa, so I’d take Watkins off them as well,” Littler declared, his passion for United fueling a vision to bolster the squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Garnacho’s position at Manchester United has grown increasingly precarious under head coach Ruben Amorim. The 21-year-old Argentine, once hailed as a rising star in United’s academy, has been embroiled in a public fallout with Amorim, culminating in his exclusion from the starting lineup in the Europa League final against Tottenham in May 2025. His frustration was palpable when he told reporters, “It’s hard for everyone. The season was s***, both now losing the final tonight, and in the league… Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.” Garnacho’s social media antics, including a post wearing an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford’s name, further strained his relationship with fans and the club, prompting Amorim to instruct him to find a new home.
Littler, speaking with the confidence of a lifelong Red Devils supporter, sees an opportunity in Garnacho’s potential exit. United’s pursuit of a top-tier striker has intensified, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins emerging as a prime target. The 29-year-old England international, lauded as a “complete striker” by United’s recent signing Bryan Mbeumo, has been a consistent goal-scoring force, netting 19 goals in the 2024/25 Premier League season. Littler’s enthusiasm for Watkins is clear: “We have to take him off them,” he insisted, suggesting a swap deal that could see Garnacho head to Villa Park. Such a move would align with United’s need for a proven number nine, especially after signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, while still seeking to address their attacking woes.
The proposed swap deal isn’t without complications. Villa value Watkins at £60 million, a figure United are reluctant to meet outright due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Offering Garnacho, an academy graduate whose transfer would represent pure profit, could lower the financial burden. However, Villa’s firm stance is that Watkins is not for sale, and Garnacho’s valuation has fluctuated between £30 million and £70 million, reflecting his unfulfilled potential despite 11 goals in 58 appearances last season. United have also explored a similar swap with Chelsea, eyeing striker Nicolas Jackson while offering Garnacho, though Chelsea’s £80 million valuation of Jackson and their £30 million cap on Garnacho have stalled talks.
Littler’s transfer wishlist extends beyond Watkins. He’s also advocated for Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, mistakenly believing him to be out of contract, and Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, whom he called a “no brainer” for his versatility. “He can do it all,” Littler said of Luiz, envisioning a midfield overhaul to complement United’s recent signings. His bold suggestions reflect a fanbase eager for change after a dismal season that saw United finish outside the Premier League’s top 13 and lose the Europa League final.
The Garnacho saga has drawn interest from multiple clubs, including Chelsea, Napoli, and Spurs, with Aston Villa’s interest heightened by his Villa shirt stunt. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted, “Garnacho will leave Man Utd for sure. Chelsea are following the situation closely,” underscoring the winger’s likely departure. Meanwhile, United’s striker search also includes RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, though his €80 million price tag poses a challenge without significant sales.
As the September 1 transfer deadline looms, Littler’s vocal support for a Garnacho-Watkins swap has added fuel to United’s transfer narrative. Whether the club can pull off such a deal remains uncertain, but Littler’s unfiltered passion has given voice to a fanbase desperate for a return to glory. With Amorim’s squad overhaul in full swing, the coming weeks will determine if Garnacho’s exit paves the way for a new era at Old Trafford.
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