Fabrizio Romano transfer news: Ten Hag’s Man Utd latest, Barcelona double deal and Julian Alvarez

Updated: 8 Jun 2024 11:02 BST
5 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Erik ten Hag, Julian Alvarez — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest football transfer news updates, including the major breaking stories such as Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United position, two Barcelona signings and Julian Alvarez’s future.

Ten Hag’s position at Man Utd has been under question for several weeks and continues to be a major source of scrutiny.

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The Old Trafford side are locked in the midst of a season review that appears to be ongoing, despite starting a couple of weeks ago, and everything still seems to be open for the manager’s future, according to Romano.

“Man Utd are still taking their time on Erik ten Hag. We’re waiting for the decision from the directors. Obviously the new co-owners are involved in discussions. Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to be part of this internal review but at the end of the day the opinion of the directors is going to be really, really important,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel.

“They’re discussing internally on many points from transfers to injuries and obviously the work of the manager.

“They are also making contacts with agents of other managers in case they decide to fire Erik ten Hag.

“One of these managers who remains in the list of Man Utd is Thomas Tuchel. He’s not the only one. Many managers are ready to wait for Man Utd. For example, Pochettino. Tuchel is in the same situation.

“Man Utd internally discussed Tuchel this week. He’s still a candidate and is super keen on the possibility.”

Two Barcelona signings

Romano also delivered an update on Barcelona’s pursuit of loan stars Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, who the club want to retain for next season.

“Barcelona want to keep Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo at the club, and [agent] Jorge Mendes has been informed of that,” he says.

“The intention of the Joao Felix is to stay at Barcelona. He’s happy with the city, the club, and so he wants to continue there. Now Barca are discussing what type of proposal they want to make to Atletico Madrid for Felix and Manchester City for Cancelo.

“They are waiting for the Financial Fair Play situation to be clarified, probably in the next week or 10 days. The expectation is for a loan deal, but the conditions of these need to be discussed.”

STATS

43

Games
10

Goals
6

Assists

Alvarez wants Man City exit

FootballTransfers revealed on Friday that Chelsea are making moves for Man City star Julian Alvarez, and Romano has confirmed that Argentina forward wants to leave the Etihad in order to win more game time.

With a loan deal not on the cards, the transfer reporter stated that PSG are one to watch.

“Julian Alvarez wants to play more. At Manchester City, he feels very well in terms of club and has a strong relationship with Pep Guardiola, but this is a crucial time in his career and he wants to play more.

“Manchester City are aware of that. They’ve spoken to the agent of the player. The player’s side have been very honest.

Man City are not keen on selling Alvarez. They believe he’s a big player with big potential.

- Fabrizio Romano

“A loan deal is not a topic. Man City have no intention of any loan deal for Julian Alvarez. In case they allow Alvarez to leave, it has to be for big money. It will only happen if the player requests to join another club and if the club receives a big amount of money.

“Man City are not keen on selling Alvarez. They believe he’s a big player with big potential.

“For Atletico Madrid, it looks really complicated. PSG are also interested. I can tell you PSG had already contact with the agents of the Alvarez. Now we’ll see if they decide to proceed.

“There could also be interest from the Premier League.”

Kroos truth

And finally, Romano confirmed Toni Kroos’ plans for when he retires from professional football after the European Championship.

“There’s no movement around Toni Kroos. After playing at the Euros, he’s going to retire. Despite many people at Real Madrid dreaming, this is not a possibility at all,” he said.

“Toni Kroos will start his own academy in Madrid. So it’s not that he’s going to work in Real Madrid’s academy, he’s starting his own academy. He’s not working as a director or consulate of Real Madrid’s academy.”