Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd CONFIRMATION, Chelsea SWAP, Real Madrid RETURN

Tom Weber

• Updated: 18 Nov 2025 18:14 GMT
• 6 min read

News

Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Benjamin Sesko, Romeo Lavia and Karim Benzema.

Man Utd to keep Zirkzee despite Sesko update

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano provided an update on Benjamin Sesko's injury and Man Utd's January plans for Joshua Zirkzee.

"There was some fear at the very beginning after the [Tottenham] game about a potential serious injury. This is why Ruben Amorim, after the match, goes to the press conference and says, 'Let's see what happens with Sesko because maybe his injury could affect our plans for the January transfer window.'

"Why? Because if it was going to be a very long injury, maybe three months, maybe four months, maybe six months, maybe an ACL. In that case, Man Utd had to sign a new striker in the January transfer window.

"But I told you right after that my information was an injury - yes, a knee injury - but not a super serious injury, not a very long injury. And so good news for Man Utd.

"But what I can tell you is that Sesko is expected to be out around three weeks. So the hope of the Man Utd staff is to have Sesko ready at the beginning of December. Then, it can take a few more days, also based on how he will recover, his physical condition, United will not take any risk.

"But the expectation is for three, maximum four weeks, out for Sesko. So the hope is to have him available at the beginning of December. This could be important to understand also the future of Joshua Zirkzee because Zirkzee would be open to leaving Man Utd in the January transfer window.

"Maybe go on loan, maybe have the opportunity to play on a regular basis, but at the same time, he remains an important player for Man Utd. Look, now there is the AFCON, and so some players are going, there is the injury of Sesko.

"If you have injuries, if you have problems, whatever happens, you need another striker, and Zirkzee can be used as a No.9, as a N0.10 behind the strikers. So for Amorim, he's an important player. Amorim wants Zirkzee to stay."

Man Utd were not offered Lavia

Romano then addressed the recent reports that Man Utd were offered the chance to sign Romeo Lavia when they discussed the transfer of Alejandro Garnacho with Chelsea.

"My information is that Chelsea and Man Utd never ever discussed Romeo Lavia. According to my sources, Chelsea trust Lavia. Obviously, the boy is having several injuries, so Chelsea staff are doing their best to try to improve his physical condition.

"They already did a fantastic job with Reece James, so the mission is to do the same now also with Lavia. But in terms of skills, in terms of development, in terms of potential, Chelsea believe in Lavia. Chelsea invested in Romeo Lavia because they are convinced he can be something special in the future.

"And so Chelsea deny all this information of offering Lavia to Man Utd. The negotiation was only for Garnacho. I can reveal to you that at the beginning of the conversation, there was a possibility for Tyrique George to be involved in the deal with Man Utd.

"But I'm talking about the beginning of June. That was a very early idea in the transfer window. Nothing happened with that one. And so it was a straight transfer for Garnacho to Chelsea, but Labia, not part of this swap deal conversation."

Benzema won't return to Real Madrid

Romano also gave his thoughts on Karim Benzema hinting at a potential return to Real Madrid in a recent interview.

"Remember, the contract of Karim Benzema expires in summer 2026. So in a few months, Benzema could be available as a free agent and this is a possibility for him to leave Al-Ittihad and go back to Europe. It's a possibility to consider.

"Then Benzema was asked about Real Madrid, and he said, 'I love Real Madrid, I'm a Madridista, we will see, I have a great relationship with Florentino Perez.' There is zero ongoing at this point between Benzema and Real Madrid over a potential return.

"There is a lot of love, respect, mutual respect between Karim and Real Madrid, but nothing else. That's important to clarify for Benzema. Benzema could consider other opportunities in Europe. Al-Ittihad are still pushing for Benzema to stay and to sign a new contract. But the situation is quite open."

Zidane to take charge of France

Lastly, Romano once again reiterated that Zinedine Zidane is the clear favourite to succeed Didier Deschamps as the head coach of France.

"The French Federation are already working hard on this target for the future. The situation for France is very clear. France are fully focused on the World Cup. France are supporting Didier Deschamps, who is a World Cup winner, who is very respected and who deserves this respect from the fans and from the federation and from the players.

"So there is total respect for Deschamps. After the World Cup, Deschamps will leave his job with the French national team, and the clear favourite, the target number one, two and three remains Zinedine Zidane. The expectation is for Zidane to become the new head coach of the French national team in 2026 after the World Cup.

"Yes, but at the same time, now is not something that's agreed or promised, just for one reason: France want to focus on the World Cup. They have a fantastic squad, they are among the favourites. After that, the clear favourite to become the new head coach remains Zidane.

"No contacts with Italian clubs, no contacts with English clubs, despite the reports we always have, Zidane has his heart set on one mission, to be the coach of the French national team after Real Madrid, and that mission could happen in 2026."

Football transfer news headlines today

Chelsea make SHOCK move for Arsenal wonderkid

Liverpool in direct talks to complete €74m deal after Man Utd rejection

European giants ‘consider selling’ €100m wonderkid to Chelsea

Man Utd flop holds secret transfer talks in luxury hotel

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