Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd 'expect' striker transfer as Rashford makes SURPRISE decision

Suraj Radia

• 18 Oct 2025 08:43 BST
• 6 min read

News

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest news over a number of Manchester United stars including Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford’s loan at Barcelona as well as confirming Graham Potter’s new job.

Rashford open to salary cut to push Barcelona transfer through

Romano expressed Rashford’s intention to continue at Barcelona beyond his loan spell this season and the Man Utd loanee could lower his salary demands to seal a permanent move.

Speaking on his latest YouTube video, Romano said: “In all the conversations he has had with Hansi Flick and in all the conversation also internally at Barcelona with people at the club, Marcus Rashford is being very clear his desire is to be a Barcelona player beyond this season.

“Rashford is doing very well. He's very happy with the club, with the coach, with the city, with the teammates, Rashford is loving his life at Barcelona and the idea for Rashford is to try to stay at Barca if they decide to keep him and if they will be able to reach an agreement with Man United, either triggered by their buy option of close to €30 million or to negotiate with United.

“We will see what happens in summer 2026 if Barcelona want to keep Rashford. In that case, my understanding is that Rashford could also be open to have a discussion on a different kind of salary structure compared to his current one at Man United in order to facilitate a potential move to Barcelona.

“Rashford already changed his salary structure in order to join Barcelona, but United are not paying his salary. Barcelona is paying the main part of the salary and the other part is something that Marcus Rashford decided to accept not to take in order to be a Barcelona player this season.

“It's still very early to predict the future of Rashford, but there is a very good feeling between Rashford, Barcelona and Flick. Obviously we have to see in the second half of the season what happens. Nothing will be decided now in October, in November, in December, this is not the time to reach agreements for summer 2026. But the feeling now is very good.”

Zirkzee 'happy' to fight for Man Utd place

Romano insisted that Joshua Zirkzee is still happy at Manchester United, although he could leave in January if his game time doesn't increase.

“With Zirkzee, he is fighting for his place at Man United and he wants to fight for his place at Man United," Romano said. "In January last year, Juventus wanted him but he decided to stay. United decided to keep him in the summer even with Italian clubs back at the table.

“Zirkzee is very happy to stay and fight for his place. But now it's October. He is not playing that much. So obviously he is not happy with the current game time but it doesn't mean that he is unhappy with Man United or he is pushing for a move. At the moment he is training hard, working hard and trying his best to help Manchester United.

“Obviously if they get to January in the next three months and Zirkzee keeps not playing, that could be a possibility for him to explore a move away in a World Cup season, but at the moment nothing about this. So we will see in January but it will depend on the game time.

“Zirkzee obviously, as with all the players in the world, wants to play football. He's young. He wants to develop. He wants to be an important part of the team. At the moment he's not playing that much. Man United only play at the moment in one competition. So that's why probably the situation is complicated. But again, he is not forcing a move out of Manchester United.

“There is interest from several clubs in Italy and also in England. For example, West Ham are showing some interest in Joshua, but at the moment, nothing more than this. Just some calls to understand the situation and that's it. We will see what's going to happen for the winter transfer window.”

Man Utd 'convinced' of Hojlund transfer

Manchester United expect the conditions to be fulfilled for Rasmus Hojlund to turn his loan at Napoli into a permanent move next summer.

Current ETV

Rasmus Højlund

F (C)

Napoli

Rasmus Højlund

F (C)

Napoli

€43.2M

ETV Range

€38.8M - €47.5M

View full profile

Romano said: “Manchester United are quite convinced that that obligation to buy will be triggered for Rasmus Hojlund. Hojlund is expected to stay at Napoli. The transfer fee is already clear. €6 million already received by Manchester United as loan fee and €44 million for the by option close becoming an obligation under certain conditions.

“Hojlund will also have a release close at Napoli valid from 2027, not next summer but from summer 2027 for €85m."

Potter to Sweden ‘almost done’

Romano confirmed that Potter is set to take over as the new manager of Sweden following the sacking of Jon Dahl Tomasson earlier this week.

“I'm told that the agreement between the Swedish Federation and Graham Potter is almost done,” Romano said. “Final details and then everything closed. The ‘here we go’ is coming soon.

“Graham Potter is ready to say yes to this opportunity. He's open. He's always been open to this opportunity because he used to work in Sweden. His career started in Sweden as a manager and so he wants to give something back to the country.

“From what I'm told, the contract will be valid until March. So you will have something like ‘qualify for the World Cup and get the opportunity to be the coach at the World Cup 2026 or leave.’ Basically, that's going to be the agreement and Potter is ready to say yes.”

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