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Fabrizio Romano transfer news: Big Liverpool updates, Osimhen’s future, Man Utd love Tchouameni

1 Jun 2026 07:01 BST | 7 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Victor Osimhen, Florian Wirtz

Robin Bairner

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Liverpool’s managerial transition, Ibrahima Konate’s departure, Victor Osimhen’s uncertain future and Manchester United’s continued admiration for Aurelien Tchouameni headline the latest transfer update from Fabrizio Romano as clubs continue to shape their plans for the summer window.

Andoni Iraola expected to become Liverpool manager

Romano began by reiterating that Liverpool are closing in on a replacement for Arne Slot.

“In the previous video, I told you after the exclusive bomba of Arne Slot leaving Liverpool that Andoni Iraola was the clear favourite to become Liverpool manager, and that's the direction,” Romano explained.

“I can confirm that we expect next week everything to be completed. Andoni Iraola is set for a new job at Liverpool.

“Someone is asking me if there is a possibility for Liverpool to go for Luis Enrique as manager instead of Iraola.

“My understanding is that Luis Enrique is staying at Paris Saint-Germain and will be part of the Paris Saint-Germain project with a new contract in the near future.”

Andoni Iraloa: Romano says the former Bournemouth boss is primed for Liverpool job

Ibrahima Konate leaves Liverpool as Real Madrid monitor situation

Another major figure leaving Liverpool is centre-back Ibrahima Konate, with Real Madrid once again monitoring the status of the free agent.

“Ibrahima Konate is leaving Liverpool on a free transfer,” Romano revealed.

“The club statement confirms that between Konate and Liverpool it's over.

“It was not an issue with Arne Slot at all. There was no problem between Konate and Slot. The official confirmation was always going to come because it was between the club and the player.

“It was not about Slot, Iraola, Xabi Alonso, Guardiola or Luis Enrique. Not at all.

“Now it's going to be soon time for Konate to make a decision on the future because there have been plenty of stories about his situation and his future.

“According to my information, Real Madrid were interested in Konate in the first half of the season between September and November, but then they left the conversation between agent and player.

“Why? Because Real Madrid didn't want to disrespect Liverpool after what happened with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“The two clubs share a very good relationship and that's why Real Madrid left the conversation.

Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool

“Now we have to see, with Konate as a free agent, if Real Madrid decide to return for him.

“Real Madrid are looking for defenders, so for sure Konate on a free could be an opportunity.

“And then Konate also has at least two proposals from the Saudi Pro League. We have to see what's going to happen there with the French defender.”

Liverpool stance on Alisson unchanged

Romano addressed speculation surrounding Alisson's future following Liverpool's managerial change.

“My understanding is that with Alisson it was a club decision,” Romano explained.

“Alisson is expected to stay at Liverpool and continue at Liverpool.

“So it was a decision made internally with the management, with the directors, with Richard Hughes.

“And so Liverpool are expected to continue with Alisson. That's the feeling despite the change of manager.”

Florian Wirtz not leaving Liverpool

Romano was also keen to dismiss reports linking Florian Wirtz with a move away from Anfield.

“Today I received many questions because some English media started reporting that Xabi Alonso would love to sign Florian Wirtz for Chelsea,” Romano said.

“No. Florian Wirtz is not leaving Liverpool this summer.

“The relationship between Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz is excellent, of course. They won together, they had a fantastic time together at Bayer Leverkusen, but that's it.

“There is no negotiation, no talks. Chelsea are not looking for that kind of player.

“And it's also important to mention that Florian Wirtz remains an important part of Liverpool's squad. Liverpool absolutely believe in Florian Wirtz. They believe that next season could be his season in red.

“There is absolutely no movement around Florian Wirtz. Forget about those links coming from England.”

Victor Osimhen transfer claims dismissed

Romano then responded to comments made by Nigeria's coach regarding Victor Osimhen's transfer situation.

“Today the coach of Nigeria went to a press conference and said Osimhen is not going to play the friendly games before the World Cup because he's in talks over a transfer,” Romano explained.

“The whole market started to shake, asking where Osimhen is going and what's going to happen.

Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray

“I can guarantee to you guys that Victor Osimhen, who is representing himself together with his lawyers, at the moment is not aware of any negotiation.

“Either there is something behind the scenes that Galatasaray are negotiating without telling the player, but I doubt that.

“That would be kind of crazy, especially with not just a player, but a phenomenal player and the face of the project like Victor Osimhen.

“This story sounds very strange. Maybe it was a misunderstanding.

“But I can guarantee that Victor Osimhen and those close to the player are not aware of any advanced negotiation or advanced talks.

“There are no imminent changes expected, with Victor Osimhen focused on the pitch and at the moment not busy with any kind of transfer negotiation.”

Manchester United still admire Aurelien Tchouameni

Romano finished by revisiting Manchester United's long-standing interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

“Today Florentino Perez spoke,” Romano said. “Real Madrid's president clarified the feeling around Aurelien Tchouameni. He said: ‘I think Aurelien Tchouameni will stay at the club this summer. Absolutely, definitely.’

“He said the same for Fede Valverde. There were rumours on Valverde and also concrete stories on Tchouameni. Perez says they are staying.

“Then Tchouameni went to a press conference and said that despite reports about a fight between him and Fede Valverde, they have a common goal. He said: ‘We want to win titles with Real Madrid.’ Tchouameni also sent a good message to Real Madrid and their fans.

“What's the situation now?

“For Manchester United, Aurelien Tchouameni is kind of the target. Manchester United believe Tchouameni could be the perfect player in midfield to replace Casemiro.

“Coming from the same club, Real Madrid, winning mentality, top player, elite player, international, who can defend and score goals. They love Tchouameni.

“But there are two problems. The first one is the salary, which is a huge salary. And the second is that Real Madrid keep saying, in public and also in private, that their intention is to keep Aurelien Tchouameni.

“So you can imagine, in order to make a Tchouameni deal happen this summer, you need to negotiate on the salary on the player side, and Manchester United would also have to negotiate directly with Real Madrid on the transfer fee. It's not easy.

“If you ask me who could be the ideal defensive midfielder for Manchester United, at the club they believe that could be Aurelien Tchouameni. But then the reality is different. Negotiations are never easy for top players like Aurelien Tchouameni.”

Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid

Fede Valverde expected to stay

Romano also reiterated that Real Madrid have no concerns over Fede Valverde's future.

“Everything remains quiet around Fede Valverde,” Romano concluded.

“Florentino Perez wanted to clarify that everything is OK and that Fede Valverde is going to stay.

“So Real Madrid believe they have resolved that story.”