Alejandro Garnacho transfer news: Aston Villa offer winger route to redemption after completing Chelsea exit

At the age of just 22, Alejandro Garnacho's career is at a crossroads, but his move to Aston Villa, driven by Unai Emery, offers the perfect chance to get it back on track.

Despite his age, the initial loan move, with an obligation to make the switch permanent if certain conditions are met, could represent a make-or-break moment in the career of the Argentina international.

After missing out on the World Cup this summer and failing to make his mark among a congested Chelsea squad, Villa and Emery have stepped forward to offer a route to redemption, with a proven track record of polishing diamonds in the rough.

So far, in his short but underwhelming career after scoring just 17 goals in 117 Premier League appearances, no manager has been able to harness his perceived potential.

Ralf Rangnick gave him his senior debut for Manchester United at just 17 and quickly urged him to "keep his feet on the ground" to deliver on his promise.

Erik ten Hag provided regular first-team opportunities to spark a frenzy over his potential but called for consistency and hard work to unlock the "X-factor" he showed in flashes.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's brief spell as interim boss at United had a short but profound impact on Garnacho. During his four games in charge, he left the starting line-up only once for rest, while scoring two goals and adding one assist.

Then came Ruben Amorim - and like his reign, the relationship was rocky. After being omitted from the group by the former United boss, his exit was sanctioned in a £40m move to Chelsea, with Garnacho describing the end to his career at Old Trafford as a "bad moment in life".

Enzo Maresca said he needed time to adapt while Liam Rosenior cited his age but promised to help him get "to the top". New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso wants to build a "strong culture" - and Garnacho is not part of those plans.

The exit door has been opened at Stamford Bridge just under a year after joining and it is Emery who has stepped forward to take the challenge on.