Fabrizio Romano transfer news: Hato AGREEMENT, Garnacho SURPRISE, Konate MESSAGE

Robin Bairner

• 24 Jul 2025 08:10 BST
• 6 min read

News

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has explained the latest moves being made by Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and more in the market.

Romano gives positive Hato verdict

Chelsea continue to be one of the busiest teams in the transfer market and are still planning at least one more signing, according to Romano.

On his YouTube channel, he explains: “Chelsea are going very strong on the transfer market. After enjoying some days after winning the Club World Cup, the idea at Chelsea is to sign a new defender as soon as possible. The player is Jorrel Hato, the centre-back of Ajax. One of the best talents in Europe. He can also play as a left-back when needed.

Current ETV

Jorrel Hato

D (L)

Ajax

Jorrel Hato

D (L)

Ajax

€46.2M

ETV Range

€41.6M - €50.8M

View full profile

“He’s wanted by several clubs but Chelsea have an agreement with the player and his agent on a long-term contract. Now, Chelsea and Ajax are in direct negotiations, club-to-club talks.

“Chelsea presented a first official bid to Ajax. With the numbers, we have very different reports. What I’m hearing is that Chelsea want to do business around €40m, it’s a clear message.

“They are using what happened between Arsenal and Jurrien Timber as a benchmark. Ajax probably want more, but the relationship between clubs is very good. The player wants to go - it’s a big opportunity. It’s important to say that Jorrel Hato has also spoken to the management of Ajax to make clear of his desire to go to Chelsea.

“They’re expected to advance and close the deal.”

Xavi Simons negotiations continue

The West London side are also making a move to sign Xavi Simons in the hope they can be the club that can get the best from the Dutchman, who currently plays with RB Leipzig. They lead Bayern Munich and Arsenal in this race.

“Chelsea will be pushing to work on this deal in the next few days. The agreement with the player is very close. It’s not done yet. Bayern keep calling and Arsenal are still interested in the player.

“Now Chelsea are speaking directly to Red Bull. They’re speaking about Carney Chukwuemena but also about Xavi Simons. Negotiations are starting between the clubs but advanced on personal terms.”

STATS

Xavi Simons

M (L), AM (C)

RB Leipzig

Xavi Simons

M (L), AM (C)

RB Leipzig

All Tournaments

2024/25

• 33

  Games

• 11

  Goals

• 8

  Assists

View all stats

Joao Felix heading home

Romano confirmed that the Blues are in active talks over at least one sale.

“There’s a situation at Chelsea with players like Raheem Sterling, Christopher Nkunku and keep an eye on the situation of Nico Jackson because he could also leave,” he explained.

“For Joao Felix, I want to tell you that in the last 24 hours, Benfica are working on a deal. Talks are ongoing between Chelsea, Benfica and the agent Jorge Mendes, who has a great relationship with both clubs. It’s a work in progress. It’s also important to open doors to eventual new signings.”

Benfica are expected to sign 50% of Joao Felix’s rights for €25, marking something of a homecoming for the Portuguese.

What’s happening with Garnacho?

Like Chelsea, Man Utd are also trying to make sales, and having offloaded Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, Alejandro Garnacho is likely to be the next to go.

The Argentine has regularly been linked with a move to West London after falling out with Ruben Amorim.

Romano says: “Don’t forget about the situation of Alejandro Garnacho, who remains a player appreciated by Chelsea. He remains a case to watch in this summer transfer window because Garnacho will leave Man Utd for sure. Chelsea are following the situation closely.”

Current ETV

Alejandro Garnacho

AM (C)

Man Utd

Alejandro Garnacho

AM (C)

Man Utd

€59.8M

ETV Range

€53.8M - €65.8M

View full profile

Liverpool want MORE signings

Liverpool have spent more money than any other club in the transfer market this summer, but they will not stop making signings.

“Liverpool have signing Hugo Ekitike for a €95 million package. So now what happens? They are not done in the market,” Romano declares.

“Liverpool are waiting to understand what’s going to happen with Luis Diaz. Bayern will return to the table with a new proposal. A €67.5m offer was rejected last week. Let’s see if they can reach an agreement.

“If Luis Diaz leaves, Liverpool will sign a new winger. That’s for sure. So Liverpool are already preparing a plan.

“Don’t forget, Malick Fofana is a player appreciated by Bayern in case they can’t sign Luis Diaz. He’s also appreciated by Liverpool, but he’s not the only option in the winger position.”

Compared

Luis Díaz

F (CL), M (L)

Liverpool

Luis Díaz

F (CL), M (L)

Liverpool

VS

Malick Fofana

M, F (L)

Lyon

Malick Fofana

M, F (L)

Lyon

€50.4M	ETV	€38.2M
€45.3M - €55.4M	ETV Range	€34.4M - €42M
28 years old (13 Jan, 1997)	Age	20 years old (31 Mar, 2005)
Colombia	Nationality	Belgium

Guehi on the Reds’ radar as Konate truth revealed

Romano sent a clear message with regards Liverpool’s defensive plans.

“I expect Liverpool to sign a new centre-back in this summer transfer window. Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace remains a player highly appreciated. There’s still nothing advanced but Liverpool keep following the situation,” he says.

“They’re still not opening doors for Ibrahima Konate to go to Real Madrid this summer. There have been many rumours.

“What I can tell you is that Real Madrid really like the player, he’s been discussed internally with the staff, but at the moment there’s no bid. Liverpool have not opened the door. They still hope they can reach a contract agreement with Konate in October, November.”

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