Robin Bairner
Fabrizio Romano, transfer news, Enzo Maresca, Paul Pogba
© IMAGO
Fabrizio Romano has disclosed the latest football transfer news, with three players set to leave Chelsea in January as Real Madrid make their first signing and there are new revelations over Paul Pogba made.
Three out at Chelsea
Following Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca revealing on Friday that the Blues will be actively selling players in the January transfer window, Romano has confirmed exactly which players are likeliest to depart Stamford Bridge in the next few week.
“The outgoings at Chelsea are going to be a very important point in the January transfer window,” Romano told his YouTube channel. “Cesare Casadei will leave. He’s on the list of Italian clubs. My expectation is that he’ll go back to Italy after joining Chelsea from Inter. He could go on loan but could be a permanent contract with a buy-back clause.
“Carney Chukwuemeka will leave Chelsea in the January transfer window. That’s the idea for Carney and for Ben Chilwell.
“For Carney, there is interest in several countries. Keep an eye on Italy, with AC Milan already wanted him in the summer transfer window. It could be one to watch. My expectation is for him to leave.
“We’ll see what happens with, for example, Marc Guiu and all the other players playing in the Conference League. Let’s see if they want to stay at the club until the end of the season or go on loan.”
Paul Pogba to Man City: The truth
Paul Pogba is a free agent after being released by Juventus in November following an 18-month ban for failing a drugs test and has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester City.
Romano explained: “A big rumour has come out: Paul Pogba being at Man City’s training ground with his agents to discuss a deal. There was a strong rumour from an English newspaper last week.
“Paul Pogba was not in Manchester yesterday. He’s not discussed a deal with Man City. At the moment there’s nothing.
“What’s going to happen with Pogba and Premier League clubs? We’ll see. But at the moment he’s not close to signing with any club.”
Paul Pogba: Currently a free agent
© IMAGO - Paul Pogba: Currently a free agent
Romano did confirm that City are in for a busy month, however.
“Manchester City will be very active in the January transfer window,” he said. “Pep Guardiola will have new players for sure.
“My information is that it could be two or three signings in January. For sure a new midfielder to replace Rodri. They want a player who can be an important player now but be a backup when Rodri returns, also to be someone who can start with him.
“Keep an eye on the left-back position and the striker position after they sold Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid in the summer and decided not to replace him.
“With injuries, the situation can change. Ruben Dias will be out for almost a month, so let’s see what Man City want to do in every single position.
“But for sure, they’ll be one of the most active clubs in the January transfer window.”
Pep Guardiola is under pressure
© IMAGO - Pep Guardiola is under pressure
Two out at PSG as Man Utd linked to Kolo Muani
PSG are another big club liable to make moves in January, but first they will have to sell, and two players are already earmarked for the exit.
“Randal Kolo Muani and Milan Skriniar have both been out of the list of Luis Enrique in the last two games. They have no injuries, no problems. It’s a technical decision and is a strong message. Both are available to buy,” Romano said.
“There have been many links between Kolo Muani and Manchester United but at this moment, I’m not aware of concrete talks. The idea is for him to leave PSG.
“In Skriniar, there is interest from Galatasaray, but not only them. He could be another interesting name for the January transfer window.
“From PSG, the expectation is for these players to go. And I think that PSG will be active in January. It could be a centre-back, it could be an offensive player, but they’re actively monitoring the market.
“The situation of Presnel Kimpembe could be an interesting one to follow. He was on the list of Chelsea two years ago, if you remember. The same summer as Raphinha. Now Chelsea are not looking for that kind of player. They’re already happy with the players they have in that position. Chelsea are monitoring centre-backs but Kimpembe is not on their list.”
Real Madrid make Fati deal
Real Madrid have snapped up a young centre-back to reinforce their academy side but also to provide another prospect for the first team.
Romano said: “We know that Real Madrid will be active in the market in 2025, not just for the first team but also for talents. They’ve had many injuries not just for Carlo Ancelotti’s side but also in the academy.
“The next signing for the academy with a view for the first team is Lamini Fati. He’s an 18-year-old centre-back. Left footed. There was an English club also interested. Real Madrid have closed the deal, with €100,000 as the fee for Leganes.
“From 2025, he will be a Real Madrid player and will join the academy and he will have the chance to train with the first team. The deal is now done.”
Neuer signs new Bayern deal
Finally, Romano confirmed that Manuel Neuer is set to sign a new deal at Bayern Munich, the club he has been with since 2011.
“Manuel Neuer is on the verge of signing a new deal at Bayern Munich. It’ll run until 2026. It’s almost done. We’re just waiting on the final details. It’s a fantastic love story,” Romano said.