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TRANSFERS
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Fabrizio Romano transfer news: FOUR Man Utd deals, Xavi Simons HIJACK, Spurs target Nico Paz
Robin Bairner
- 23 Aug 2025 13:30 BST
- 6 min read
News
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has discussed the latest news, including big updates at Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Simons’ response to hijack attempt
Chelsea have been dragging their feet on a deal to sign Xavi Simons, and Romano has revealed other clubs are starting to circle for the Netherlands star.
On YouTube, he said: “It’s been a difficult Friday night for Xavi Simons. On the pitch, RB Leipzig lost 6-0 to Bayern. Why was Xavi on the pitch if he wants to go to Chelsea? Because he wants to maintain a good relationship with the people at Leipzig. He’s been very clear since the end of May that he wants to go. They know he wants to go to Chelsea. But at the still time we’re still waiting for Nkunku to go and Nicolas Jackson to go.
Current ETV
Xavi Simons
AM (C), M (L)
RB Leipzig
Xavi Simons
AM (C), M (L)
RB Leipzig
ETV Range
€60.7M - €74.2M
“Xavi Simons has decided to respect Leipzig until the very end. But the message remains clear: he wants to go to Chelsea.
“Tottenham tried to approach Leipzig in recent days, especially after the situation of Eberechi Eze. They made some calls but Chelsea remain the clear favourites because the player wants to go there.”
Two Spurs bids set to land
If Spurs have been knocked back by Simons for now, they are hopeful that one of their other two targets might come.
“I expect to Tottenham to go over €70m very soon for Savinho so let’s see what’s going to happen,” Romano said.
“They’ve also made some calls today for Nico Paz, the Como No.10. Paz is a fantastic talent.
“But it’s a difficult deal. Como will never let the player go for the transfer fee I see around in the reports - €40-45m. They won’t sell for that. It has to be a really important fee. In my opinion, maybe something close to Eze deal numbers.
“Real Madrid have three buy-back clauses in the next three years for Nico Paz. They have a 50% sell-on clause, matching rights and three buy-back clauses. Real Madrid have complete control. So the conversation will be with Como, the agents of Nico Paz and Real Madrid. It’s really difficult.
“Paz is one of the big reasons that Cesc Fabregas decided to turn down Inter and other clubs in the summer. He had guarantees of players staying, including Nico Paz.”
Current ETV
Nico Paz
AM, M (C)
Como
Nico Paz
AM, M (C)
Como
ETV Range
€39.8M - €48.7M
Man Utd advancing on Lammers
Manchester United are targeting Sanne Lammers as their summer goalkeeping arrival, and Romano appears optimistic that the deal will get done.
“Manchester United’s focus is Senne Lammers. The negotiations between United and Royal Antwerp are advancing very well. The package requested is €20m. The structure and fee is not a done deal between clubs, but Lammers has already said yes to Manchester United.
“The arrival of Lammers does not mean that Andre Onana will leave Man Utd. He will join the club and provide competition, be a goalkeeper for the future. Onana is not negotiating with any other club. The story is quiet.
“There is an advanced conversation between United and Antwerp.”
Current ETV
Senne Lammens
GK
Antwerp
Senne Lammens
GK
Antwerp
ETV Range
€9.8M - €12M
As for rumours that Manchester City want the Belgian, Romano does not believe those.
“I’m not aware of that,” he said. “City want Donnarumma if Ederson goes to Galatasaray. This story remains the same.”
Are Man Utd close to making any sales?
“It’s always important to mention outgoings for Manchester United,” Romano continued.
“On Rasmus Hojlund, Napoli are insisting and there has been interest from Milan for weeks. Now they’re focused on Victor Boniface deal. There’s still part of a medical to do.
“Napoli have entered the race. Now they’re pushing to sign him. They want a loan with an obligation to buy. For Man Utd, this would be the perfect solution. They’re prepared to say yes. Now it’s up to Hojlund to decide what he wants to do: accept Napoli or wait for a different opportunity.
There’s a concrete chance to see Hojlund leave Manchester United and go back to Serie A.
- Fabrizio Romano“The contacts on Friday were positive, so there’s a concrete chance to see Hojlund leave Manchester United and go back to Serie A.
“Hojlund doesn’t want to be another Sancho. So he doesn’t want to go on loan, come back and then go on loan again in 2026. He wants to stay at Man Utd, but he wants to feel the confidence of a new club.
“Betis are still working on Antony. They’re pushing for the move, they’re in talks, they’re speaking to the agents of the player and the player himself. They’re trying to find a solution. Financially, it’s not an easy solution for Betis to keep Antony, but the fantastic loan spell he had there is a factor and Antony wants to go to the World Cup with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, so they’re insisting for him.”
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