Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Osimhen to Chelsea, Man Utd’s midfield TARGETS, Sancho SURPRISE

24 Jul 2024 01:40 CDT
5 min read

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has given the latest updates on a range of subjects, including Manchester United’s moves, the possibility of Victor Osimhen moving to Chelsea and PSG’s signing of Jadon Sancho.

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Victor Osimhen to Chelsea?

Romano discussed the possibility of Osimhen leaving Napoli for PSG or Chelsea, where there remains interest in signing a centre-forward.

“Let me explain to you what’s happening with Victor Osimhen,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

“Last week, PSG had a green light for Osimhen to join. He wants to join PSG, he’s open to the move, and what happened is that Napoli and PSG had some contacts. But the French club said no to including Kang In-Lee and said no to paying the release clause. The way for PSG to do the deal is to reduce the price. Let’s see what they decide to do.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€53.3M - €88.9M

“In the last 48 hours, PSG director Luis Campos has spoken to Randal Kolo-Muani and Goncalo Ramos to tell them they will be the strikers of PSG next season but the market is still long and let’s see what happens.

“Why is Osimhen on standby? Because the market has a long way to go and my understanding is Victor Osimhen still wants to leave Napoli and Napoli still want to sign Romelu Lukaku.

“About Chelsea? They never wanted to pay the release clause, they never wanted to pay the salary of Victor Osimhen, which is around €11-12m net per season. He’s way to expensive. So for Chelsea, it’s always been a complicated day, because of the financial situation.”

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer rumours

Xavi Simons latest

Romano, meanwhile, revealed that Xavi Simons is close to deciding where his future lies, with an unexpected favourite emerging.

“Xavi Simons was never a concrete possibility, despite all the reports indicating interest from Manchester United and English clubs. It’s RB Leipzig or Bayern,” Romano said.

“Leipzig are increasingly confident and almost convinced that Xavi Simons will be their player next season. Why? Because the contacts of the last hours between Oliver Mintzlaff, the CEO of the Red Bull group, and the agents of Xavi Simons and also PSG have been increasingly positive.

“PSG are aware of the player’s decision, with Leipzig big favourites. It’s not done yet. Bayern will try again until the end to change the situation.

“PSG only want a loan, with a permanent transfer expected next summer in 2025.”

Current ETV

ETV Range

€35.3M - €58.9M

Weighing into this idea that Simons is Leipzig bound is Bayern’s renewed assault of Rennes wonderkid Desire Doue, who they are ready to fight PSG for.

“Bayern presented a new bid for Desire Doue. The proposal was worth almost €55 million. Vincent Kompany is insisting on the player’s side. But PSG are still there,” Romano says.

“The crucial part of the story is that Desire Doue has still not decided which club he wants to join. PSG have been working hard since Friday, Saturday on the player’s side.

“My feeling is that PSG are really convinced they can reach an agreement with the player.”

Current ETV

ETV Range

€15.5M - €25.8M

Man Utd target two midfielders

Romano rejected claims that Man Utd could move for Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, despite the fact that they have asked the French side about information on the France international.

Instead, they are focused on signing two players.

“Man Utd had contact with Monaco to understand the situation of some of their players, including also Vanderson, but what I’m told is that internally they are still mentioning the possibility of Manuel Ugarte and Sofyan Amrabat,” Romano says.

© IMAGO - PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte playing for Uruguay at the 2024 Copa America

“So for Amrabat, they did not trigger the buy option but they can talk different terms with Fiorentina. For Ugarte, Man Utd will discuss terms with PSG but they have an agreement with the player.

“On Matthijs de Ligt, Bayern Munich insist on €150m guaranteed fee but Man Utd want to include add ons as part of the structure. De Ligt keeps waiting and hoping for the move. But for the moment at Man Utd, outgoings are really important, and there is no intention to pay €50m guaranteed. This could take some time to see the outcome.”

Sancho surprise

In terms of outgoings at Man Utd, Jadon Sancho’s future has come into sharp focus in recent days as interest from PSG has emerged. But Romano says this is not as strong as some sources might have suggested.

“Jadon Sancho remains on the list of PSG, but there’s still no direct contact made with Manchester United, so it’s not a proper negotiation,” he says. “The dream target was Khvicha Kvaratskhelia but Napoli don’t want him to leave. PSG are considering other options, including Sancho. But it’s just an interest for now.

“On PSG, Bruno Fernandes is not a topic. For Bruno, a new contract with Man Utd remains one to watch this summer if he stays at the club.”