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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Cucurella truth, Diomande to Liverpool talks, Konate latest

2 Jun 2026 07:50 BST | 8 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories ahead of this summer, including the latest on Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande and Ibrahima Konate.

Tottenham update

Tottenham Hotspur escaped a humiliating relegation to the Championship by the skin of their teeth and they are keen to back new manager Roberto De Zerbi in the transfer market this summer.

The club have earmarked a number of top targets and Romano has confirmed that Manchester City star Savinho is once again on their radar.

“In August 2025, Tottenham attempted to sign Savinho from Man City,” Romano told his YouTube channel" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI8WTDCWJ1c" target="_blank">Romano told his YouTube channel. “Despite Tottenham making progress on personal terms with the player in the final days of the window, Man City's response was clear. The player was not leaving.

"Man City then agreed a new contract with the Brazilian in September, keeping him at the club. However, his season has perhaps not been as exciting as many expected. Now, the possibility of Savinho leaving Man City remains open and there is still a chance that a move could happen.

"Tottenham are stepping up their efforts to accelerate a deal for Savinho. Contacts are ongoing. Tottenham want to move quickly on the player side before opening negotiations with Man City as soon as possible in an attempt to sign the Brazilian winger.

"The deal is very much active. We still need to understand Man City's valuation because it is unlikely to be the €80 million figure they wanted a year ago. The price is expected to be different now, but Tottenham remain in the race. They were interested under Thomas Frank in 2025 and they remain interested in 2026 under Roberto De Zerbi.”

Savinho, Man City

Romano added: "Just a quick update on Tottenham. Ben Davies is set to sign a new contract. There have also been many questions regarding the future of João Palhinha.

“Sporting CP want the midfielder, but they will only pursue a move if a transfer to Tottenham does not happen. At the moment, Palhinha is still giving priority to Tottenham. We will have to see how that situation develops.”

Real Madrid want a new right-back

Real Madrid are set to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new manager shortly and despite signing Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer, they are keen to bolster their full-back options before the start of the 2026-27 season.

“There have been many questions regarding Real Madrid. As I have mentioned before, defenders are a priority for the club under José Mourinho,” Romano confirmed.

“Real Madrid have started exploring the right-back market and this brings a link with Tottenham. Pedro Porro is one of the players appreciated by Real Madrid. However, my understanding is that Tottenham do not want to sell him.

“Despite various rumours, including links involving Man City, Tottenham want Pedro Porro to remain at the club. Roberto De Zerbi views him as one of the key players in his squad as he looks to rebuild the Tottenham project in the best possible way. At the moment, Tottenham are closing the door on a potential departure.

“Iván Fresneda is another right-back being followed and monitored by Real Madrid. He represents a different profile and remains one of the alternative options being considered.”

Romano continued: “Perhaps the most significant name at this moment in terms of experience, quality and availability is Denzel Dumfries.

“The reason is simple. Dumfries has a release clause in his contract with Inter. When reports suggest that Real Madrid will submit a bid for the player, there is actually no bid required. Inter's position is very clear because the release clause sets the price.

Denzel Dumfries, Inter

“The amount is understood to be slightly below the widely reported €25 million figure. Real Madrid are fully aware of the clause and have already made contact with the player's camp to understand the overall financial conditions of a potential deal.

“There is nothing to negotiate with Inter if the clause is activated. If a club pays the required amount, the player can leave. This is why the Dumfries situation remains one to watch closely. I mention his qualities because he offers a very physical profile and a completely different skill set compared with Trent Alexander-Arnold.”

Ibrahima Konate update

Ibrahima Konate will officially leave Liverpool as a free agent in July, but the France international is yet to make a decision on his next step.

“Real Madrid wanted Konaté and held conversations with his representatives around September, October and November. However, Real Madrid decided to stop negotiations because they did not want to damage their relationship with Liverpool,” Romano revealed.

“Liverpool were already unhappy following the Alexander-Arnold situation in 2025. Another move involving a Liverpool player joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2026 would not have been viewed positively, so Real Madrid informed Liverpool and paused discussions.

“Now the situation has changed. Konaté is a free agent and Liverpool are no longer involved. The defender is free to make his own decision regarding his future.

“He has received a very important offer from Saudi Arabia, but Real Madrid remain in contact with his camp. Konaté is once again an option for Real Madrid and this is a story worth following throughout the summer.

“It could become a very significant situation considering his status as a free agent after leaving Liverpool. Real Madrid remain in contact, while the Saudi offer is also on the table. We will see whether any other opportunities emerge.”

Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool

Yan Diomande talks

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is one of the most sought-after players in world football and Liverpool are currently battling PSG for his signature, as per Romano.

The transfer expert admitted: “Many of you have been asking about Yan Diomande and whether Liverpool are going to sign him.

“Liverpool are in negotiations with the player's camp and are actively working on the deal. Paris Saint-Germain are also involved and have held discussions with his representatives. Their interest is genuine.

“The battle is very much underway. PSG want the player and, as I have mentioned before, the Bradley Barcola situation is one to monitor closely. Diomande is highly rated by both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.

“My understanding is that the player's preference, shared by his camp, is to complete a deal before the start of Ivory Coast’s World Cup campaign. The objective is to arrive at the tournament with his future already resolved and without distractions involving Liverpool, PSG or other clubs.

“They will try to accelerate negotiations before the tournament begins. Whether that is possible remains to be seen because it will also depend on Leipzig.

“Negotiating with Leipzig is never easy. We have seen that with Benjamin Šeško, Xavi Simons and several other players. They are a very tough club when it comes to selling top talent.

“Both Liverpool and PSG are working on this deal and both remain heavily involved. It is certainly one of the most interesting situations to follow in the coming days and weeks.”

Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig

Marc Cucurella truth

Marc Cucurella has been heavily linked with a Chelsea exit in recent weeks and it has been reported that he is eager to leave Stamford Bridge amid significant interest from La Liga clubs.

This has been confirmed by Romano, who said: “A departure is possible if a suitable proposal arrives both for the player and for Chelsea. There is genuine interest from Spain and that possibility cannot be ruled out.

“Regarding Barcelona, there have been many enquiries. From what I am told, the situation remains at an early stage. Barcelona appreciate the player and know him well, but they are currently focused on other priorities.

“In addition, Barcelona already have good depth at left-back. It is also important not to forget João Cancelo because the club have been very pleased with what he contributed during his six-month loan spell. So, while there is appreciation from Barcelona, discussions remain at an early stage.

“Atlético Madrid also need to decide how they want to invest in the full-back positions. There is significant appreciation for Cucurella, but at this stage there has been no bid, nothing official and nothing concrete.

“If an important proposal arrives, not only for the player but also for Chelsea, then movement could be possible. Chelsea's position must be respected in this process.

“For now, however, there is nothing imminent and everything will depend on how the market develops over the coming weeks.”