'Final stages!' - Romano issues BOMBSHELL Chelsea transfer update

Cameron Smith

1 Sept 2025 08:50 BST
4 min read

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea will not sign Sporting CP striker Conrad Harder on Transfer Deadline Day.

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The 20-year-old was identified as a priority target by Enzo Maresca’s side following news that Liam Delap could be set to miss at least eight weeks of action after suffering a hamstring injury versus Fulham on Saturday.

Current ETV

Conrad Harder

F (C)

Sporting CP

Conrad Harder

F (C)

Sporting CP

ETV Range

€22.9M - €28M

However, reports in Portugal state that he has refused to join Chelsea as he believes that a move to RB Leipzig would be more beneficial for his development as a player.

Harder’s proposed move to Germany has now been officially confirmed by Romano, who posted on X: “Understand RB Leipzig are closing in on Conrad Harder deal, verbal agreement at final stages!

“Details being fixed and then Harder will fly to Germany for medical tests and contract signing.”

Leipzig have already sold Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United so far this summer and they have now agreed to offload Lois Openda to Juventus for a fee in excess of €40 million.

Meanwhile, after missing out on Harder, Chelsea have opted to recall Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland and they have also cancelled Nicolas Jackson’s agreement to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on a temporary deal.

© IMAGO - Conrad Harder is set to join RB Leipzig

Who will Chelsea sign on Transfer Deadline Day?

Chelsea are expected to complete the surprise loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte before the end of Transfer Deadline Day, having reached a full agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign the Argentine on a one-year deal.

Meanwhile, the Blues are also interested in signing Fermin Lopez, although a deal looks increasingly uncertain amid Barcelona’s desire to retain the Spaniard and his €70m price tag.

A new striker is also unlikely to arrive following Chelsea’s decision to bring the aforementioned Guiu back to the club.

The Spaniard scored six goals in seven Europa Conference League matches last season and he is expected to play a back-up role to Joao Pedro in the absence of Delap.

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