Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Rodrygo to Chelsea TRUTH, Man Utd EXIT, Real Madrid DISASTER

Tom Weber

• Updated: 12 Nov 2025 18:38 GMT
• 7 min read

News

Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Rodrygo, Lionel Messi and Casemiro.

Messi won't play for Barcelona again

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that Lionel Messi will not return to Barcelona as a player.

"The quotes of Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, speaking to Catalunya Radio, he made very clear that despite the visit of Leo Messi to the Camp Nou in the recent days, despite the words from Messi showing once again his love for Barcelona, Laporta said forget about unrealistic scenarios like the one of a loan deal for Messi back to Barca, maybe now during the MLS break, maybe for six months or these kind of things.

"Laporta said we have to respect our squad, our staff, our team and so described that scenario as something unrealistic, and it's reality. There is a lot of love, a lot of respect between Messi and Barcelona, but there are no discussions ongoing now for a return to Barca as a player.

"Laporta made very clear that he wants to do something special at the new stadium for Messi for him to say goodbye and to say hi again to Barcelona fans after the way he had to say goodbye to Barca a few years ago when he went to PSG.

"That was a shocking story, and so it was not a proper goodbye from Messi. But it doesn't mean that Messi is returning as a player to Barcelona. As of now, there are zero conversations, and Laporta made it clear."

Start of Alonso tenure not a 'disaster' for Real Madrid

Next up, Romano addressed the speculation surrounding Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso after disappointing results against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano.

"Real Madrid are first in LaLiga. It looks like, from the narrative, sometimes that Real Madrid are maybe third or second or ten points from first in the league. But that's not the case. The performance against Rayo Vallecano was not unforgettable, was not fantastic, was not good.

"But it doesn't mean that Real Madrid are a disaster. Real Madrid have some problems, for sure. But they're working on that. He's a new coach, a young coach. He's working on that with his staff, with the players. So there are some things to fix. That's for sure. It's not a perfect situation, but it's also not a disaster.

"We need to have respect for Xabi Alonso. At the moment, I can guarantee to you that Real Madrid, in terms of the highest people at the club, including the president, Florentino Perez, maintain a total trust in Alonso. So there is nothing changing in terms of relationship, no big issues or big problems.

"There are problems, but this is part of life at a big club, one of the biggest in the world, and obviously with a new manager. So it's normal you have to sort some situations, you have to discuss some situations, and this is what's happening at Real Madrid.

"Real Madrid are absolutely in control of their Champions League table situation. It was not a good performance against Liverpool, but it doesn't mean, also in this case, that everything has to be considered a disaster, and also in LaLiga they are first."

Chelsea not talking to Rodrygo

Staying on the topic of Real Madrid, Romano then spoke about Chelsea's links with Rodrygo.

"We had links coming from Brazil mentioning Rodrygo and Chelsea. First thing I wanted to say on Rodrygo, it's important to say that Rodrygo Goes last summer was an option for Man City. We had rumours about Liverpool, but that was not true.

"We had rumours about PSG, and he was one of the options at PSG, but only in case [Bradley] Barcola left, and Barcola didn't leave the club. And then we had rumours about Man City.

"For Man City, I always told you during the summer, Rodrygo is the main option wanted by Pep Guardiola if Savinho leaves. Savinho ended up staying, not joining Tottenham despite proposals, and Manchester City extended his contract in the recent weeks, so that's the situation of Savinho.

"Rodrygo remains a player appreciated by Guardiola, but no fresh contacts have taken place since then. And it was August, so three, four months ago. Then on Rodrygo, in the last 24 hours, we had links with Chelsea. From Brazil, they mentioned Chelsea as a possible solution for Rodrygo between the January transfer window or the summer.

"At the moment, what I'm getting as an answer from Chelsea sources is very clear: With maximum respect for Rodrygo, Chelsea are not in negotiations, Chelsea are not in talks with Rodrygo's camp or with Real Madrid, and there is zero ongoing between Chelsea and Rodrygo.

"Chelsea are not working on this one. Then, if you ask me if I believe that Rodrygo could leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window - look, I will keep an eye on this situation. January might be difficult because in January Endrick is leaving, but for the summer transfer window it could be different."

Casemiro needs to take a pay cut

Lastly, Romano reiterated that Casemiro needs to take a pay cut if he is to stay at Man Utd beyond this season.

"Casemiro is a crucial player in this moment for Man Utd. Credit to Casemiro because when you are Casemiro and when there is a lot of criticism, a difficult situation at the club, as it's been in the recent years, after winning everything with Real Madrid, it's not easy to try to change people's minds, manager, staff, and also fans.

"Casemiro did it. Casemiro did a fantastic job working hard and becoming, once again in his career, a crucial player for the manager. So in this moment, he's really important for Ruben Amorim. But there will be a conversation about his contract.

"Because at the moment, the numbers of his contract, salary, is way too high for Man Utd to extend that. So, they need to find a solution on the contract - this is for Casemiro and for Harry Maguire - or the player could leave on a free.

"Casemiro always received many proposals, especially from the Middle East, especially from Saudi. Casemiro remains a target for many clubs there, but at the moment, it depends on financials, on the salary.

"Casemiro is fully focused on the pitch now. He wants to help Man Utd in this moment, but his situation will depend on the salary. Amorim would love to continue with Casemiro, but again, this depends on the salary discussions."

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