23 May 2026 08:54 BST | 6 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Yann Diomande, Ederson
© IMAGO
Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner | Chief Editor
Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006
Fabrizio Romano has provided fresh transfer updates on Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Yann Diomande and Bradley Barcola, with movement building ahead of the summer window as clubs step up their plans.
Guardiola leaves Manchester City as Maresca prepares to replace him
Fabrizio Romano confirmed Enzo Maresca is set to take over as Manchester City manager following official confirmation that Pep Guardiola will leave the club.
“Next is going to be the announcement for Enzo Maresca, who will be the new manager. I told you, three-year contract for Maresca at Man City,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“It’s not going to be these hours, but it’s going to be in the next days. But Enzo Maresca will be the new Manchester City coach.”
Enzo Maresca: Chelsea's next manager?
© IMAGO - Enzo Maresca: Chelsea's next manager?
Ederson back on Manchester United shortlist
Romano revealed that Manchester United have revived their interest in Atalanta midfielder Ederson ahead of the summer transfer window.
“Ederson and Man Utd is a story that didn’t start this summer. It’s a story started summer 2025,” the transfer expert explained.
“Man Utd’s recruitment team were considering Ederson as one of the targets for midfield. United were exploring that possibility in a very serious and concrete way.
“Then Atalanta didn’t want to sell the player. Atalanta already sold different players during that summer transfer window and so they didn’t want to let Ederson go as well.”
Romano explained that the situation has now changed because the Brazilian midfielder wants a new challenge.
“Ederson is not signing a new deal at Atalanta. Ederson is going to leave Atalanta. Ederson told Atalanta he’s not going to stay, so he’s putting himself on the market,” Romano confirmed.
“And Atalanta are ready to negotiate.”
He added that United recently held talks in Italy regarding several midfield targets.
“Manchester United have been on a mission in Italy to have some conversations about different players, Ederson and Tonali,” he said.
“So one of the conversations they had in Italy was also about Ederson, one of the players under consideration.”
However, Romano stressed that no deal is close at this stage.
“It doesn’t mean that the Ederson deal is closed or done.”
Ederson, Atalanta
© IMAGO - Ederson, Atalanta
Liverpool agree deal for Samuel Martinez
Romano also confirmed a new signing for Liverpool, with teenage Colombian talent Samuel Martinez set to join the club.
“Samuel Martinez, 17 years old, is coming. He will join when he will turn 18 in 2027. He has agreed terms with Liverpool,” Romano said.
He revealed that other major European clubs attempted to hijack the move.
“Borussia Dortmund were ready to make the deal happen with a big attack over the recent weeks,” he confirmed.
“There was also another European giant club, not from England, from another country, trying to enter the race for Samuel Martinez.”
Liverpool ultimately secured the agreement.
“Liverpool have an agreement with the boy. Liverpool have an agreement with Atletico Nacional,” Romano stated.
“There will be also a small percentage on future sale that Liverpool have agreed in order to accelerate talks and to close the deal as soon as possible.
“And so Samu Martinez to Liverpool is a here we go.”
Yan Diomande wanted by Liverpool and PSG
Romano then detailed Liverpool’s ongoing search for a winger, with Yan Diomande one of the key names under discussion.
“The winger position is the absolute focus for Liverpool. Liverpool want to do something important in that position. The name of Yann Diomande remains,” he said.
Romano confirmed that both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are actively working on the deal adding:
“Liverpool are in conversations, in active talks with the agency of Yann Diomande, with Roc Nation Sport, the agency of Diomande.
“It’s not only Liverpool, because Paris Saint-Germain are in conversations.”
He also addressed interest from other Premier League clubs.
“Man Utd are following the player, but they have already informed people close to the player that they will not pay €100m for Diomande,” Romano said.
“Tottenham tried to sign him, but it’s not going to be possible and was already not possible in 2025.”
Romano explained that the player himself will decide the outcome of the race.
“Liverpool are in conversations with Yann Diomande. Paris Saint-Germain too.
“Now Diomande has to decide whether he wants to go to Liverpool or he wants to go to Paris Saint-Germain.
“So the player is going to dictate the direction of this deal.”
Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig, 2025/26
© IMAGO - Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig, 2025/26
Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool target
Romano also revisited Liverpool’s long-standing admiration for Bradley Barcola.
“Liverpool really appreciate Barcola. It was August 2025 when I told you Liverpool like Barcola,” he said. “Liverpool considered Barcola an ideal player.”
He suggested the French winger could become a stronger option if Diomande chooses PSG.
“In case Diomande decides to go to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcola could be again a serious option for Liverpool. This could be the domino.”
Romano added that Arsenal are also monitoring the situation.
“On Barcola, there is genuine interest also from Arsenal,” Romano said. “Arsenal also like Barcola.”
And Romano concluded by stressing how important player decisions will be in both deals, noting:
“Barcola and Diomande are two names to follow, and in both cases, the player decision is going to be crucial.”
Related stories:
Build The FIFA World Cup 2026™: LEGO© releases stunning football-inspired collection
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Rodri to Real Madrid, Casemiro agreement close, Stones to Bayern?
Transfer Rumours: Arsenal face fresh Chelsea rivalry in battle to sign Kroupi
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
Robin Bairner
Written by
Robin Bairner is an eminent digital football journalist who has been writing about the sport for major global publishers since 2006, specialising in Ligue 1 and Scottish football. He has been chief editor of the FootballTransfers global edition since its launch in 2020. Previously Bairner had been a key member of the editorial team which helped Goal.com become the world’s biggest football website. He covered multiple major competitions as a correspondent for Goal including the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he had the opportunity to work in Fortaleza. Among his highlights of the competition was Brazil’s quarter-final victory over Colombia.
View full bio