Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd TRIPLE move, Chelsea SECRET deal, Liverpool OBSESSION

Robin Bairner

9 Aug 2024 22:45 BST
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano, transfer news — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer news expert, has given the latest updates from the window, including information on Pedro Neto, Martin Zubimendi and three potential Manchester United signings.

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Solanke to Tottenham: Here we go!

Romano kicked off his roundup detailing one of the major breaking transfer news stories of the day: Dominic Solanke’s move to Tottenham.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that a deal had been reached between Spurs and Bournemouth on Friday, and Romano confirmed that new on his YouTube channel, offering some further updates on the details of the transfer.

“Tottenham were working in a secret way to get Dominic Solanke and the deal today is done,” he said. “Dominic Solanke is the new striker for Spurs. Ange Postecoglou will have his new No.9.

“The deal has been done for £65 million guaranteed, or almost guaranteed. There are add-ons, but some of these are easy. From what I’m hearing, it’s something like £57m plus add-ons.

“He’s set to undergo medical tests on Friday. Over the weekend, everything will be completed for Solanke to sign a six-year deal at Spurs. Everything is agreed. He believes this is the perfect opportunity for him. It’s a record fee them and for Bournemouth. It’s a here we go for Tottenham.”

Current ETV

Dominic Solanke

F (C)

B'mouth

Dominic Solanke

F (C)

B'mouth

ETV Range

€29.1M - €48.4M

Chelsea complete ‘secret’ Neto deal

Arguably the biggest story of the day, though, was news of Pedro Neto’s impending move from Wolves to Chelsea, which both clubs managed to keep under wraps.

“Pedro Neto is going to Chelsea,” Romano announced.

“Spurs were also involved in talks for Pedro Neto but they were never going to spend €60m. The idea was completely different in terms of what they want to pay but also the terms were totally different.

Current ETV

Pedro Neto

F (C)

Wolverhampton

Pedro Neto

F (C)

Wolverhampton

ETV Range

€16.3M - €27.1M

“Chelsea in a silent deal were able to agree with Wolves. Pedro Neto is in London and on Saturday he will start all the medicals and contract signing. He joins Chelsea for €60m plus €3m in add-ons.

“The deal is done but Chelsea are not done yet in the market. There could be spaces for some moves before the end of the transfer market.

“As always, they’re very busy.”

Liverpool will do everything for Zubimendi

After the explosion that surrounded Liverpool’s interest in Martin Zubimendi – another story that was initially exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers – Romano says that Liverpool are ready to do what it takes to land the Spain star.

Real Sociedad, though powerless to stop Liverpool matching the player’s release fee, are ready to fight for their man.

They’re willing to do everything to sign Martin Zubimendi.

- Romano on Liverpool's Zubimendi interest

Romano said: “Martin Zubimendi will be an important story in the coming days. He was on the pitch for Real Sociedad today but Liverpool are still working on this deal. New contacts are expected. It’s on the player.

“Real Sociedad understand that Liverpool are pushing and will agree a deal with them if they want to, otherwise, the Reds will pay the release clause. They’re willing to do everything to sign Martin Zubimendi.

“Real Sociedad are offering a new deal and hoping he decides to stay at the club but Liverpool are still there. Arne Slot is also involved in this process.”

Current ETV

Martín Zubimendi

M, DM (C)

Real Sociedad

Martín Zubimendi

M, DM (C)

Real Sociedad

ETV Range

€28.9M - €48.2M

Hermoso among three or four possible Man Utd signings

Romano also provided the latest on Manchester United’s transfer position, confirming the ongoing interest in the likes of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte.

“Keep an eye on West Ham. They’re working hard to get the final green light for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. It’s true that Wan-Bissaka wants an important payoff from Man Utd to leave the club because he would get a completely different salary at West Ham, this is a crucial point, but West Ham are still optimistic,” Romano said.

“As soon as Man Utd sell Wan-Bissaka, they want to bring in Mazraoui. They also have a Plan B, but Mazraoui is the absolute priority and there’s also Matthijs de Ligt.

“Let’s see what happens in other positions. Another player considered by Man Utd in recent hours is Mario Hermoso. He’s a free agent who left Atletico Madrid. There have been many rumours on Inter, he’s not going there, and there’s nothing concrete with Italian clubs right now. Man Utd are considering him.

“They’re aware of this opportunity. He can play left-back, centre-back and he’s left footed.

“We know Man Utd are also after another central midfielder. There’s Manuel Ugarte, but they’ve looked at other opportunities. They’ve called the agents of Sander Berge, who could be a possibility if they cannot get Ugarte, but he remains the priority as a new midfielder.

“We expect Man Utd to sign three, maybe four, before the end of the transfer window. Financial Fair Play (FFP) is not helping, but more things are expected to happen.”

Barcelona close in on Faye sale

Finally, Romano detailed a windfall Barcelona are set to land for talented ‘B’ team defender Mikayil Faye, who has been linked to numerous clubs for several months.

“Mikayil Faye, the Barcelona defender, left-footed, super-talented was wanted by Porto in June but the deal collapsed because Barcelona asked for a sell-on clause and a buy-back clause,” he explained.

“Now there’s big interest again. It’s not Porto, it’s Rennes. Many French clubs are interested in him.

“Rennes made a proposal to Barcelona. French sources confirm the bid on the table is worth around a €9-10m package plus a sell-on clause.

“Barca believe he can become a top player in the future, so the only way to buy him is to have this buy back. The buy-back close will be something like €30m.”