Robin Bairner
Fabrizio Romano, transfer news, Raheem Sterling, Antony
© IMAGO
Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on the latest football transfer news and rumours, including big stories at Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona.
Antony will leave Man Utd if…
Romano has confirmed that Antony could leave Manchester United if the Old Trafford club are willing to open the door for him to leave.
“The agent of Antony told me there is concrete interest in clubs approaching Man United for Antony. Something is happening, there are things moving,” he told his YouTube channel.
“Man Utd have never approached the agent or the player to say that he’s for sale or can leave on loan. Basically what the agent is saying is that Antony could be open to leaving Man Utd if the club tell him it can happen. Antony is prepared to look for a new option.
“United are pushing to clarify many situations: Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Antony. Many of them will be discussed very soon.”
Sterling plan
Raheem Sterling’s loan at Arsenal is not going well, and Romano has outlined what the England winger plans to do as a result.
“It’s a complicated situation for Raheem Sterling at Arsenal because he’s not playing and he’s out with an injury. He’ll be out with an injury. The intention of the player is not to leave Arsenal in the January transfer window,” Romano said.
“Raheem Sterling is still convinced the second half of the season can be important for him at Arsenal. He’s not planning on leaving. It’s not part of the plan. And Chelsea have no plans to recall him.”
Jonathan Tah one of FOUR Barcelona deals close
Romano confirmed that Barcelona are close to a spectacular quartet of deals that will set the club up for years to come.
“I can confirm that Barca are getting closer to completing their first signing for season 2025/26 and this is Jonathan Tah,” he said. “It’s not a done deal yet. We know with free agents that you have to be careful until the end because the player can change his mind in five minutes. Another club can join the race and offer bigger money to convince the player or agent to change their mind – this is general and not just related to Tah.
“But in this case, we can say that Barcelona are in very advanced discussions for Tah. Now they’re getting close to the formal stage so the transfer is completed. Remember, Jonathan Tah is not a deal for January. He spoke to Xavi Alonso months ago, he’s completed committed to Bayer Leverkusen but he’s not extending his contract.
“Barcelona have already met the player with Deco. They have also met the agent, Pini Zahavi, several times. They have an excellent relationship. And remember Hansi Flick. He’s fully involved in the story. He shares the same agent.
Jonathan Tah, Bayer Leverkusen
© IMAGO - Jonathan Tah, Bayer Leverkusen
“They’re going very strong because they know about the interest of Bayern. But now Barcelona feel they’re getting closer.
“Barcelona are also confident on three stories. One is the new contract for Gavi. Another is the new contract for Pedri – Barca are also advancing very well on that one. They’re expected to extend their contracts in 2025. Flick considers them essential figures for their project.
“And then there’s Lamine Yamal, who will turn 18 in July and Barca have already prepared his contract.”
Paul Pogba truth… again
Paul Pogba has again been linked with a surprise transfer to Manchester City, which Romano has reacted to.
“Paul Pogba is a free agent now but can play professional football only from March,” he noted, referencing the player’s ban for taking a performance-enhancing drug.
“I’m here to deny once again that Manchester City want Pogba. This is not the case. Man City are going to be very busy in January. Pep Guardiola wants to new players. City are expected to sign one full-back and an offensive player. They’ll complete two or three signings in January, but Paul Pogba will not be among them.”