Ex-Man Utd star McTominay backs 'ideal' Napoli move as Garnacho 'agrees deal'

If Alejandro Garnacho does leave Manchester United this month, he could hardly choose a better destination than Napoli—at least, that's likely the view of former teammate Scott McTominay.

McTominay, who departed Old Trafford for just £25 million last summer, has flourished at the Serie A club under Antonio Conte's leadership.

Now a pivotal figure in Napoli's midfield, the Scotland international has helped propel the team to the top of the Serie A table.

Reports in Italy suggest McTominay is actively encouraging Garnacho to join him in Naples, with Napoli looking to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is reportedly close to signing with Paris Saint-Germain.

The decision to part ways with McTominay last summer was met with mixed reactions, but the midfielder has seamlessly adapted to life in Italy.

Speaking to BBC Sport in December, McTominay praised his new environment: "I love this place. I love the fans, I love my teammates.

"It’s been a pleasure to be here with Billy [Gilmour] every day, rather than just seeing him at Scotland, and we’ve helped each other a lot."

His positive experiences in Naples could be a persuasive factor for Garnacho, who might see the club as a prime opportunity for growth.

At just 20 years old, Garnacho has become a key talent for United but has struggled for consistent playing time under Ruben Amorim.

While Erik ten Hag relied heavily on the Argentine winger, Amorim’s sparing use of Garnacho has reportedly left the player frustrated and open to exploring new options.

United, however, are reluctant to sell unless a substantial offer—believed to be around £70 million—is tabled.

Despite this, Calciomercato reports that Napoli have reached an agreement in principle with Garnacho.

The club’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, is said to have met with the winger’s representatives in Barcelona this week to finalize personal terms.

The allure of playing in Naples, a city steeped in football history and the legacy of Diego Maradona, could also weigh heavily in Napoli’s favor.

Garnacho, who plays for Argentina despite being born in Madrid, would be following in the footsteps of his country’s greatest icon.

Maradona’s shadow looms large in Naples, where the stadium bears his name, and players like Kvaratskhelia have earned nicknames such as "Kvaradona" in his honor. McTominay has acknowledged the impact of Maradona’s legacy:

"When I first walked into the stadium, it was a surreal feeling knowing he is an icon, an absolute legend of football," McTominay told The Scotsman.

For an Argentine player like Garnacho, the chance to shine in such an environment could be irresistible.

While Napoli appear eager to finalize the deal, Manchester United’s valuation could still pose a hurdle.

The Red Devils are mindful of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and are open to selling Garnacho to fund their squad overhaul under Amorim. However, they won’t let him go cheaply.

Should Garnacho depart, United have reportedly identified Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as a top target to replace him.

Mbeumo, who has been in superb form this season, fits the mold for Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system and would likely slot in as either a central striker or an inside forward.

With less than two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, the next steps for Garnacho, Napoli, and Manchester United remain uncertain.

Napoli have the financial muscle from Kvaratskhelia’s expected move to PSG to meet United’s demands, but whether the Red Devils are ready to part with one of their brightest academy graduates is another question.

Should Garnacho make the move, he’d find a club eager to embrace his talents and a mentor in McTominay ready to help him settle.