Fabrizio Romano transfer news: Guardiola ‘SPECIAL CLAUSE’, Alonso ‘PERFECT’ for Real Madrid

Robin Bairner

• 20 Nov 2024 12:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest update as Pep Guardiola readies himself to sign a new deal at Manchester City, while Real Madrid have already lined up their Carlo Ancelotti replacement.

Pep Guardiola’s new contract: Here we go!

"The big bomb is here. Now we have the here we go: the agreement is done. Pep Guardiola stays at Manchester City for next season. The plan is confirmed, the documents are ready. It’s time to sign for Guardiola as Man City next season and with an option for season 2026/27," Romano explained on his YouTube channel.

"What this means is that Guardiola has guaranteed his decision to stay at City and potentially it could be a two-year contract because there is an option. At the end of the season 2025/26, Guardiola and City – and remember there will be a big change with the new sporting director Hugo Viana – if they’re all happy [Pep could stay].

"Guardiola also included in his contract this special clause to allow him to stay for one more season.

"It’s fantastic news for Man City. Keeping a manager like Pep Guardiola is a big success. City have been optimistic for several reasons. They see in Guardiola’s eyes to do something historic and to help the club during their big change. "

Xabi Alonso: Real Madrid think he’s ‘perfect

Romano also outlined the situation of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who has been courted by many major European teams in recent months.

"Xabi Alonso, let me repeat what I’ve been saying for months: he’s the favoured candidate of Florentino Perez for Real Madrid. So in case at the end of the season, or at any other moment, Real Madrid decide to change manager, Alonso is the favourite. Perez believes Alonso is a top coach, a top guy, they know him from when he was a player. He’s super appreciated. He’s got everything as a player, as a coach, and he has the perfect Real Madrid style," Romano said.

"In 2025, Xabi will decide his future. Bayer Leverkusen dream and hope he will continue for one more season, but they know internally that Alonso is aware of the strong interest from Madrid. They know that at some point, Real Madrid are there.

"Xabi Alonso is going to be the other big name on the market."