Fabrizio Romano transfer news: TWO Man Utd signings, Mathys Tel to Chelsea, Vini Jr TRUTH

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 29 Jan 2025 11:43 GMT
• 5 min read

Football transfer news reporter Fabrizio Romano has dropped the latest updates on rumours from around Europe and beyond, leading with two signings at Manchester United.

Dorgu deal done

Romano has confirmed that Patrick Dorgu is set to become Ruben Amorim’s first major signing at Manchester United, revealing some good news for the Old Trafford club about the player’s fee.

“Patrick Dorgu, the Lecce full-back, will be a Manchester United player. The verbal agreement is there,” he told his YouTube channel. “At the beginning of the window, I revealed that Dorgu was on their list and that Man Utd had been scouting him. Nuno Mendes and other players were linked but they were very expensive.

“The fee you see around, from what I’m told, is not exactly correct. The fee is €35 million plus €5m in add ons, not that easy to reach. Man Utd have been able to reach that in what was not as easy agreement to reach. Lecce are very happy. For them it’s an important sale.”

READ MORE: Premier League January transfers 2025: All the Done Deals

Man Utd close in on heaven

United, meanwhile, are set to leave Arsenal fuming, with teenage defender Ayden Heaven on the verge of following in the footsteps of fellow youngster Chido Obi-Martin by leaving the Gunners for Old Trafford.

“Ayden Heaven, the young talented centre-back from the Arsenal academy, born in 2006, is going to Manchester United. He will have access to the first team. There was a bid from Eintracht Frankfurt and he got a call from Barcelona, but he decided to go to Man Utd immediately. The medical is booked,” Romano revealed.

“It’s an important one for Manchester United’s future.”

READ MORE: Saudi Pro League January transfers 2025: All the Done Deals

Mathys Tel: Mixed news for Chelsea as Romano drops crucial update

Chelsea have been given some mixed news regarding Mathys Tel. Romano says the young Frenchman wants out of Bayern, but that there is tremendous interest in him.

“Mathys Tel, the top talented striker from Bayern, is leaving in the January transfer window. The situation is changing because he spoke to Vincent Kompany and told him he wanted to succeed at Bayern. Kompany spoke to the player and they agreed. In the following weeks, Chelsea wanted to sign him, with Nkunku going to Bayern. But Tel was not ready to leave. Now he’s ready to go. Why? Because in the last three games he’s played zero minutes,” Romano revealed.

“Chelsea are still there for sure. There are more clubs interested. Seven clubs have already submitted loan proposals for Tel. There are more interested in a permanent transfer. Let’s see what the player and Bayern want to do. But he could be a fantastic opportunity for the final days of the January transfer window.”

Romano also denied that the Blues want Hellas Verona midfielder Reda Belahyane.

“I’m told that Chelsea are not working on this deal. Rennes are in advanced negotiations for him,” he said of the Moroccan.

Emery obsessing over Chelsea star

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is desperate to land Joao Felix and is hopeful a deal can be done, Romano has revealed.

“Joao Felix remains the dream target for Emery – he’s obsessed with this one. If today, tomorrow or whenever, Chelsea decide to open the door, Aston Villa will try to make it happen,” Romano said. “Those close to the player believe that Emery could finally be the right coach to trust him, to play him consistently and show his excellent qualities. Again, it’s not guaranteed. We need to see what happens with Nkunku, Carney. Many things are happening with outgoings at Chelsea.”

One transfer is likely to get over the line between the clubs.

“Aston Villa and Chelsea have spent the day speaking. Axel Disasi has already said yes to Aston Villa and has spoken to Unai Emery, but let’s see if they can get an agreement with Chelsea,” Romano said.

Real Madrid make Vini Jr stance clear

Romano also revealed the truth over the prospect of Vini Jr heading to Saudi Arabia in a reported €300m deal.

“There’s been the big story in the last 24 hours, Saudi’s interest in Vinicius Junior. But there’s a formal position from Real Madrid. That’s important for me,” Romano said. “Real Madrid are completely relaxed. Carlo Ancelotti said that Vini Jr wants to stay at Real Madrid and he’s happy at Real Madrid. It’s a clear position that he’s not negotiating a move away and he’s fully focused on the club and winning titles. They expect him to continue at the club with Kylian Mbappe and all the other stars. It’s a very clear interest.

“Saudi have some very clear targets they want to take there. They have some obsessions, he’s a dream target, but remember the appreciation they have for Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez. Liverpool have been very clear in their position to keep Salah but the interest is still there.”