Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Baleba ‘100% CONFIRMED’, Barcola NEXT at Liverpool, Rodrygo INTEREST

Robin Bairner

• 7 Aug 2025 08:20 BST
• 6 min read

News

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided updates on the latest stories, including Carlos Baleba, Alexander Isak and Rodrygo.

Truth behind Man Utd’s Baleba interest

Man Utd are close to getting a move over the line for Benjamin Sesko and are already looking to sign Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. But Romano predicts they will have a tough time getting it over the line.

“On Man Utd, there’s one more big story. They want to find a midfielder. That remains the case. In recent hours, they’ve approached the camp of Carlos Baleba to tell him they have a serious interest,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

Current ETV

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

€55.3M

ETV Range

€49.8M - €60.9M

View full profile

“This deal is very difficult. Baleba is a top player for Brighton, a crucial player. Brighton want him to stay and don’t want to lose him. To sign a player from Brighton with 23-24 days to go before the end of the window is not easy. The price will be very high, so it’s a very complicated deal.

“From the player’s side, they didn’t say no. Carlos Baleba didn’t close the door to Man Utd. Those close to him know that Brighton will make if very difficult. The interest in genuine, the approach is 100% confirmed. Now, we know how difficult it is to negotiate with Brighton. But it shows the ambition of Man Utd after signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and soon Sesko.

“Baleba is their dream target.

“When Ruben Amorim first arrived at the club and they were in meetings setting the agenda on the type of player he wanted to sign, looking for specific skills, the word he used most was ‘intensity’. Carlos Baleba is seen as the perfect player for Amorim and his midfield.”

Bradley Barcola to Liverpool: What’s happening?

Liverpool have enjoyed a stunning transfer window – and it may not be over with the news that they are still interested in PSG’s Bradley Barcola.

“For Liverpool, let’s be clear, it’s not Alexander Isak and Barcola, even if Darwin Nunez goes to Al-Hilal – and he’s going. It’s not going to be both of them,” Romano said.

“Liverpool’s priority, as of tonight, is Isak. They will go for him. In case that deal doesn’t happen, Bradley Barcola is the dream option. As of today, Liverpool have not made contact with the agents, Liverpool have not contacted PSG and they’ve not made a bid.

Compared

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

VS

Bradley Barcola

F (L)

PSG

Bradley Barcola

F (L)

PSG

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

46	Appearances	67
31	Goals	23
135	Shots Total	129
65	Shots On Target	64
7	Assists	19
63	Key Passes	94

“Isak remains way more advanced and is the priority target. If that doesn’t happen, an attempt on Barcola could be made by the end of the window.

“Don’t forget PSG. They don’t want to sell Barcola. The only way for the player to go is for him to say in public that he wants to leave.

“It’s a very far scenario at the moment. Luis Enrique absolutely doesn’t want to sell the player and PSG have prepared a new contract for Bradley Barcola. When Bayern approached him in June, PSG told them to forget about that and prepared a new deal.”

PSG still watching Rodrygo

Romano believes that PSG have already lined up one potential replacement for Barcola should the unlikely deal go through.

“A name to watch for PSG would be Rodrygo from Real Madrid. Again, it’s a very far scenario. He’s happy to stay at Real Madrid and compete for his place at Real Madrid,” Romano said.

“Internally at Real Madrid, if Barcola decides to go. If Liverpool decide to come to the table, Rodrygo could become an option. But again, it’s not something concrete, there is no negotiation at the moment.”

Current ETV

Rodrygo

F (CR), M (R)

Real Madrid

Rodrygo

F (CR), M (R)

Real Madrid

€98.1M

ETV Range

€88.3M - €107.9M

View full profile

New No.9 at Real Madrid

Romano says there is set to be a new No.9 at Real Madrid this season, with Gonzalo Garcia set to take the shirt after his impressive displays at the Club World Cup.

On top of this, the young attacker is also set to be furnished with a bumper new deal at the Bernabeu.

He said: “Real Madrid are in active talks over new deal for Gonzalo García.

“Decision made in July about plan for striker to stay after excellent Club World Cup as top scorer.

“New contract expected to be done as Gonzalo wants to stay… and wear the legendary No.9 shirt.”

Football transfer news headlines today

Carlos Baleba’s price revealed as Man Utd tax strikes again

'Close to finalising' - Alexander Isak's agent confirms Liverpool deal near

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal bid for Eze imminent but Vieira sale crucial

DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store