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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea SIGNING, Man Utd OFFER, Alvarez TRUTH
Cameron Smith
- 22 Jan 2026 16:14 GMT
- 7 min read
News
Fabrizio Romano has provided a major update on several January transfer stories across Europe, including the latest on Yisa Alao, Wilfried Ndidi and Julian Alvarez.
Chelsea to sign Yisa Alao
Chelsea are close to making Sheffield Wednesday defender Yisa Alao their first signing of the January transfer window, as confirmed by Romano in his latest YouTube video.
“Chelsea are on the verge of signing a new talent for the future, a 17-year-old from Sheffield Wednesday,” he said. “The agreement is worth around £500,000, potentially rising significantly through future bonuses if the player develops and reaches Chelsea first-team level. Chelsea believe he is a highly talented full-back and his name is Yisa Alao.
“He is coming from Sheffield Wednesday, with several clubs interested in the player, including Liverpool. Many clubs made calls and tried to enter the deal, but Chelsea have been able to reach an agreement on both the player and club side.
“They are now waiting for the next formal steps and then Alao will become the next young talent joining Chelsea for the future. Of course, we will then see the development of the player and where his journey goes next.
“Chelsea continue to work strongly on young talents. We have seen this approach in recent months and I have told you many stories about Chelsea’s recruitment of young players, and this will be another one to follow.”
Current ETV
Jérémy Jacquet
D (CR)
Rennes
Jérémy Jacquet
D (CR)
Rennes
ETV Range
€16M - €19.6M
Jeremy Jacquet talks
Chelsea are also eager to finalise a deal for Stade Rennais centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, although a transfer is far from agreed.
“A completely different situation is the one involving Jeremy Jacquet, who is one of the main options on Chelsea’s list to become their new centre-back in the January transfer window. Chelsea decided to move forward and a few days ago carried out a mission in France to meet with Rennes and start conversations,” Romano revealed.
“The talks on the player's side have been very positive, but there is still no agreement club-to-club at the moment. Rennes are asking for a very high fee, and at this stage there is no agreement between the clubs. The conversation is ongoing, but it is complicated.
“Chelsea were prepared to invest around €40 million plus bonuses, but Rennes are insisting on a club-record sale. Their current record is around €64m, with Jeremy Doku sold to Manchester City, and they want around €65m to €70m as a total package.
“As things stand, there is a big difference between what Chelsea are offering and what Rennes are asking. The talks are still ongoing but difficult, and there is no agreement club to club. Chelsea do have several alternatives, with a shortlist of names for the centre-back position.”
Romano continued: “Jeremy Jacquet remains the priority, but Chelsea also have the possibility of recalling players such as Aaron Anselmino, currently at Borussia Dortmund, or players at Strasbourg. They have several talented centre-backs performing well elsewhere, and it is up to Chelsea to decide what to do next.
“To close on Jeremy Jacquet, it is not only Chelsea involved. Other clubs have started calling, but Rennes are quoting the same price to everyone. This is not a Chelsea tax. Rennes are asking for €65m to €70m from all clubs. The player himself is on normal terms at Rennes, so the negotiation is purely on the club side.”
Man Utd latest
Manchester United are expected to sign a new central midfielder in 2026 and Romano has revealed the latest player linked with an Old Trafford switch.
“I am not aware of Ruben Loftus-Cheek being a secret midfielder target for Man Utd. There is a lot of noise around this story, but there are no conversations taking place.
“One player who has been offered to Man Utd is Wilfred Ndidi, the former Leicester City midfielder now playing in Turkey. He has been proposed as an opportunity for the January transfer window, as he would be keen on returning to the Premier League.
“Man Utd are aware of this possibility, but at the moment they have not made any bid or formal proposal. The player is open on the contract side and willing to discuss terms to return to the Premier League at an important level.
“As of today, there has been no progress from Man Utd. No official bid, no advancement in talks. Ndidi has been offered, but United have not taken any concrete steps at this stage.”
Current ETV
Wilfred Ndidi
DM, M (C)
Besiktas
Wilfred Ndidi
DM, M (C)
Besiktas
ETV Range
€11.5M - €14.1M
Franck Kessie back to Europe?
Al-Ahli midfielder Franck Kessie, meanwhile, could be set to secure a return to Europe this summer following a stint in the Saudi Pro League.
“Another name to keep an eye on is Franck Kessie, not for the January transfer window but for the summer. Kessie is out of contract at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia in the summer. The club have offered him a new short-term contract on a big salary and want to keep him.
“However, Kessie has started exploring options for the summer, potentially as a free transfer. The Ivorian midfielder could be open to a return to Europe, although he will have to decide between big money in Saudi Arabia or a different salary back in Europe.
“There have already been conversations with several clubs. His agent has met with Juventus regarding a potential move in the summer, not in January. Juventus are interested and the situation is one to monitor.
“It remains to be seen whether Premier League clubs will also enter the race, as Kessie could represent a market opportunity with no transfer fee involved, although salary will still be a key factor.”
Julian Alvarez future
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez may also be on the move this summer amid significant transfer interest from a number of top clubs.
“Finally, on the many questions about Julian Alvarez, I keep repeating that his future is not a topic for January. It is a story for the summer. Atletico Madrid want to keep the player and hope he will stay, but on the other side there is the player and his representatives, and Alvarez is keeping his options open.
“It is too early to mention specific clubs, as there could be many interested if he becomes available. At this stage, nothing is concrete or advanced. Atletico want to keep him, but the conversation with the player will be crucial to understand whether he stays or leaves in the summer.
“I have been saying since October, November and December that Alvarez is keeping all his options open. There are many rumours, including Barcelona, but it is not only Barcelona. Several top clubs are monitoring the situation because he is one of the most wanted strikers in Europe.
“For now, nothing will be decided in January, and probably not even in February. It will take time, and the final decision will depend on what Atletico Madrid and Alvarez decide in the coming months.”
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