Fabrizio Romano transfer news: Ten Hag GUARANTEE, Guardiola’s future, what Balotelli would LOVE

Robin Bairner

• 10 Oct 2024 08:00 BST
• 4 min read

Fabrizio Romano has given the latest updates on football transfer news, with developments at Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The main talking point of the week has been the future of Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag, who appears set to avoid the sack after the club’s worst-ever start to the Premier League season.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano says the Dutchman does not appear to be in any immediate danger.

“I can guarantee that as of Wednesday afternoon, Erik ten Hag has not received any communication about his future from Ineos. He remains very calm, preparing for the Brentford game. He’s fully focused on Man Utd. There’s been no communication from the club,” Romano said.

Guardiola’s Man City future

Manchester City have also been linked with a potential managerial change, with questions asked over Pep Guardiola’s future following the decision to Txiki Begiristain to leave his role as sporting director.

“Txiki Begiristain was the man who signed all the superstars. We saw at Manchester City with Erling Haaland and many others. What he’s built with chief executive Ferran Soriano and Pep is really special. He’s leaving now, it’s time for him to have a sabbatical. His intent is not to retire, it’s to remain in football,” Romano confirmed.

“Meanwhile, for Manchester City it’s time to find a new director of football. My information is that the big favourite is Hugo Viana, who has been doing an excellent job with Sporting CP. He’s signed Viktor Gyokeres, he’s signed Morten Hjulmand from Lecce. He’s a talented director who’s doing an excellent job.

“What’s going to happen with Pep? The fact that Begiristain is leaving doesn’t mean that Pep Guardiola is leaving. Internally, Man City remain confident of keeping Pep at the club for at least one more season but let’s say for the future. The final green light is on Pep.

What next for Zubimendi?

Romano says that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is happy at Real Sociedad and there is no prospect of him replacing the injured Rodri at Manchester City in January or leaving for Liverpool.

“Martin Zubimendi has wanted to clarify his future,” Romano said. “We know in the summer he had links to Manchester City, he said no to Liverpool, but Zubimendi has confirmed that his intention is not to leave Real Sociedad. At the moment, there’s no direct contact with Man City.

“It’s a quiet situation but next summer we’ll see what happens. The player is not planning for any switch.”

Current ETV

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Real Sociedad

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Real Sociedad

€34.4M

ETV Range

€25.8M - €43M

View full profile

Balotelli’s return

Romano has also indicated that cult hero Mario Balotelli could return to major football after a season at Adana Demirspor.

“Mario Balotelli is a free agent and has had a call with Genoa general manager Alberto Gilardino,” Romano said. “There’s been an injury for Vitinha, their regular striker, so they’re looking for a striker on the market.

“Balotelli would love to return to Italy, he’s already rejected some offers from abroad, so let’s see what happens.”