15 Jul 2026 07:00 BST | 6 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Bradley Barcola, Youri Tielemans
© IMAGO
Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner | Chief Editor
Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006
Make us your Google favourite
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has delivered the latest news from the summer transfer window, including Manchester United completing the signing of Youri Tielemans, the collapse of the Ederson deal, Liverpool's interest in Bradley Barcola and Chelsea's stance over Alejandro Garnacho.
Manchester United complete Youri Tielemans signing
Man Utd have confirmed two more signings, with the headline deal seeing Youri Tielemans complete his move from Aston Villa.
“Yesterday it was Andre Santos day, but today Manchester United announced two more signings,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“Karl Darlow is now official. Two-year contract, one-year option. Darlow leaves Leeds United and joins Manchester United.
“It means more changes in goal because Altay Bayindir is leaving the club. Senne Lammens will be the first-choice goalkeeper, Karl Darlow will be the second and Tom Heaton will be the third.
“But the big announcement is obviously Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, here we go.
“It was a very quick deal because Manchester United paid the release clause. They didn't negotiate with Aston Villa. They went there, paid £35 million and got the player.
“Five-year contract. Tielemans did the first part of his medical yesterday, today he completed everything and signed his contract.
“He also gave a beautiful interview today. He spoke about ambition, about wanting to compete for the biggest trophies, and then sent a clear message: when Manchester United call, you don't even think twice.
“I told you yesterday it was a dream for him to play for Manchester United, and today he confirmed that.”
Youri Tielemans: Signed for Man Utd
© Man Utd - Youri Tielemans: Signed for Man Utd
United still targeting another midfielder after Ederson collapse
Despite Tielemans' arrival, Romano says Manchester United remain in the market for another midfielder after abandoning their move for Ederson.
“Manchester United are not done,” Romano said.
“They will sign and want to sign one more midfielder.
“They are looking at defensive midfielders, physical players, so we have to see which options they have on the shortlist.
“Many of you are asking me for names. It's still early to indicate who will be the player they really want, but I will tell you in the next days.
“I can tell you Manchester United made a call to the agents of Manu Kone from Roma. He's one of the players they appreciate. There was a call over the recent days and we'll see if it develops.
“They have more targets, but Manchester United are definitely looking for that kind of player.”
Manu Kone, Roma
© IMAGO - Manu Kone, Roma
Romano also insisted there is no way back for Ederson.
He continued: “Today Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli confirmed exactly what I told you.
“Ederson to Manchester United is over. Completely over. Some people said maybe Man Utd could come back in August. It's not true. Manchester United decided against signing Ederson and sent him back to Atalanta. Ederson is very sad and very disappointed.
“Giuntoli said today that Atalanta were stunned by what happened with Manchester United because they didn't expect it at all.
“He also confirmed Atalanta have offered Ederson a new contract because they want to keep the player.
“So the deal is completely off. Forget all the stories saying Manchester United could come back later. It was off on Friday, off on Saturday, off on Sunday, and finally on Monday it was confirmed.”
Manchester City lead race for Ayoub Bouaddi
Romano also provided an update on one of the most highly-rated young midfielders to emerge during the World Cup.
“I'll tell you more in the next days about Ayoub Bouaddi,” Romano said.
“He was one of the best young talents at the World Cup. He did very well in the opening game against Brazil for Morocco and continued to impress afterwards.
“There is a lot of interest in him.
“The story of Manchester City is not new. I already told you Manchester City want Bouaddi and are working on the deal.
“There are more Premier League clubs interested too. There have been several calls.
“But Manchester City are there and Bouaddi is definitely a player to watch.”
Liverpool and Arsenal remain interested in Bradley Barcola
Romano says Liverpool continue to monitor Bradley Barcola despite changing reports surrounding the Paris Saint-Germain winger.
“On Bradley Barcola, I maintain my position with Liverpool,” Romano said.
“Ten days ago, everybody was saying Barcola was untouchable and going nowhere.
“Now I see links with Liverpool and Arsenal everywhere, so maybe Barcola isn't that untouchable after all.
“My understanding is still the same. I told you in April, May, June and now July that Bradley Barcola can leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
“Will he leave? That depends on the amount of money clubs are prepared to put on the table.
“He remains on Liverpool's shortlist.
“He is also one of the names Arsenal have under consideration, although Morgan Rogers remains Arsenal's number one target.
“For Liverpool, Barcola has been a top target since last summer.
“They still want the player and are waiting to understand the final financial package.
“The interest is strong and Barcola is not untouchable because he isn't negotiating a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.”
Chelsea continue Pep Chavarria talks as Roma push for Garnacho
Romano also delivered an update on Chelsea's pursuit of Pep Chavarria and Alejandro Garnacho's future.
“On Pep Chavarria, as I told you yesterday, negotiations are ongoing,” Romano said. “The talks are advancing between Chelsea and Rayo Vallecano.
“The player already has an agreement and wants to go to Chelsea. Now it's about finding an agreement between the clubs.
“Xabi Alonso wants him and I think this deal can get done in the next few days.”
Romano concluded with the latest on Garnacho.
“Roma have already sent two official bids. They are offering a loan with an option to buy that becomes an obligation under certain conditions, like qualifying for the Champions League,” he said.
“Chelsea's reply is very clear: they want either a permanent deal or a guaranteed obligation to buy. They want £45 million from English clubs and £50 million from clubs abroad.
“Roma are trying to bring the price down, while Chelsea are holding their position. The negotiations are ongoing.
“Once again, Garnacho is open to joining Roma. Chelsea expect more clubs to enter the race, but Garnacho will leave the club this summer.”
Related stories:
Man City's transfers prove they know something about the 115 charges we don't
Transfer Rumours: Chelsea threat as Andreas Schjelderup race explodes
Premier League summer transfers 2026: All the Done Deals
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