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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Nico Williams’ POSITIVE message, Wirtz TRUTH, Pogba is BACK
Robin Bairner
- 14 Jun 2025 09:20 BST
- 6 min read
News
Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the headline stories of the day, including Nico Williams, Florian Wirtz and Paul Pogba.
Mastantuono completes Real Madrid move
Real Madrid announced the signing of Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono on Friday, with Romano confirming details of the agreement.
Romano told his YouTube channel: “Real Madrid have signed Franco Mastantuono, it's now official. River Plate will get €45 million, the player has signed a six-year contract and the plan for him is confirmed. The player will be at the Club World Cup with River Plate and he'll join Real Madrid on 14 August when he turns 18. He'll travel to Madrid to be unveiled as a new player.
“It's a big summer for Real Madrid, who are still looking for more opportunities on the market.”
Current ETV
Franco Mastantuono
F (R)
River Plate
Franco Mastantuono
F (R)
River Plate
ETV Range
€16.6M - €20.2M
Nico Williams pushing for Barcelona but Arsenal still there
A major transfer is brewing in Bilbao, meanwhile. Nico Williams now seems to be actively pushing to leave Athletic Club, with three major teams chasing the Spain international star, according to Romano.
“Big movements at Barcelona because as the agent of Nico Williams had a direct meeting with sporting director Deco. It was a face-to-face meeting. One year after the big saga of Nico, again it's Barcelona and Nico Williams. Now is the player going to send a clear message to Barcelona? The understanding is that he opened the door to a move to Barca this summer,” the journalist explained.
The message Barcelona received in their meeting on Friday was a very positive one
- Fabrizio Romano on Nico Williams“It really depends on Barcelona now. We know he's not the only option and that it's an important deal with his release clause and salary. The whole package is big. But the message Barcelona received in their meeting on Friday was a very positive one, with the player opening the doors. Nico Williams is convinced about Barcelona.
“Don't forget the other clubs. Bayern have already had two meetings in the last seven days, so really intense contacts. They're also there. Financially the salary requested by Nico is the real issue with this deal.
“And then don't forget Arsenal. They like the player. The release clause is not a problem but it's about how much the player wants.
“With Barcelona in the conversation, we have to see what they decide to do. They were not very happy with Nico Williams a year ago when he was not so convinced about the move. They decided to go very strongly for Dani Olmo - a player who really wanted to go to Barcelona. Now the situation is the opposite.
“The other factor is Athletic Club. They've already told Nico Williams that if he stays they have another contract proposal for him. It's an even better salary compared to the current one. It's a record one for the club.”
Current ETV
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
ETV Range
€63.5M - €77.7M
Barca complete first signing
While Nico Williams seeks a move to Camp Nou, Joan Garcia has already sealed his switch to Barcelona, trading neighbours Espanyol for Hansi Flick’s side.
Romano confirms: “Barcelona have completed their first signing of the summer and it's Juan Garcia. They've paid the release club for him and now it's about doing the documentation. But they've triggered the release clause and we can consider Juan Garcia a Barcelona goalkeeper, with €25m going to Espanyol.”
Why has Wirtz not signed for Liverpool yet?
Romao has also confirmed that a British record deal for Florian Wirtz is done, although he admits that the price of the new Liverpool signing is not exactly clear.
“The agreement is done between Florian Wirtz and Liverpool, but also between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen. The club-to-club agreement is done. Now there's a battle in the media because Liverpool are informing about the lower fee of around €138m, Bayer Leverkusen consider the fee to be €150m plus very difficult add ons. But for sure the deal is completely done. Liverpool have signed Florian Wirtz,” Romano said.
“Why is the deal not official? Because he's on holiday. As soon as he returns, he'll take his medical and sign his contract.”
Current ETV
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Bayer 04
Florian Wirtz
AM (C)
Bayer 04
ETV Range
€111M - €135.6M
Pogba set to seal Champions League return
Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba is close to finding a new club after more than two years out of the game following a ban due to testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
Romano says: “Let's see what happens with Paul Pogba. Today the story is that Monaco, after signing Eric Dier this summer, have made a bid to Pogba. A two-year contract is on the table. Monaco want an answer and are quite confident they will get the green light. He's a free agent. Now Monaco are on the stage.
“Monaco are also working to close the deal with Ansu Fati of Barcelona. In that case, there was some complications relating to the salary coverage, but the conversation is at the final stages.”
Football transfer news headlines today
EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal BREAKTHROUGH in Benjamin Sesko transfer
Florian Wirtz is DIFFERENT: Why Liverpool’s record signing is a €135m BARGAIN
CONFIRMED: Nico Williams given permission for contract talks
Man Utd restart Osimhen talks as Nigerian becomes a 'PROBLEM'
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