Fabrizio Romano transfer news: SECRET Chelsea signing, Neymar adventure OVER, Xabi Alonso SHOCK

Robin Bairner

Updated: 26 Nov 2025 16:15 GMT
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano transfer news, Estevao, Xabi Alonso — © IMAGO

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has detailed the latest headlines from the market, including a secret deal completed by Chelsea, a major blow for Neymar and the truth behind Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.

Article continues under the video

Neymar Jr injury situation

Romano confirmed that Neymar’s World Cup dream hangs in the balance after suffering an injury with Santos that will end his season at the club.

“From Brazil the news is unfortunately negative. Globo are reporting, and it is confirmed, that Neymar Jr has suffered a new meniscus injury to his knee. This means he is expected not to play again in 2025. The regular season for Santos concludes in December when Neymar’s contract also expires, and I told you recently that several clubs were already making calls to understand his situation ahead of a possible short-term move before the World Cup,” Romano explained on YouTube.

Current ETV

Neymar

AM, M, F (C)

Santos

Neymar

AM, M, F (C)

Santos

ETV Range

€3.3M - €5M

“Now there is another serious injury. He already missed the last important match for Santos, and this new problem will clearly have an impact on clubs considering him. The expectation from Brazil is that Neymar will be unavailable for the rest of 2025 and we will only see him back from January. This will be important in understanding his future. We wish Neymar all the very best because he really deserves more luck after so many injuries.”

Estevao shining at Chelsea

Willian Estevao’s stellar performance at Chelsea is set to cost the Blues a huge sum of money – but the Blues will only be too happy to pay it. Romano has revealed why.

“Brazil is also in London today after Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and Estevao is the man of the moment. Three Champions League starts, three goals, 11 goal contributions for Chelsea and Brazil. He is doing something absolutely special,” he said.

“When you look at Chelsea’s recent signings and the long-term vision at the club, Estevao is the perfect example. There were past stories linking him with Barcelona because his agent has a very good relationship with the club, but Estevao was never close to joining Barcelona. The real competition came from Paris Saint-Germain, who held talks, but the package with Palmeiras was too expensive.

“Chelsea then decided to go all in, investing a fee just under €40 million guaranteed, plus a big package of add ons to reach above €65m. They will be happy to pay those add ons because it means Estevao is performing at a fantastic level. It is not only about the goals but also his attitude. Everyone at Chelsea, including the owners, directors, the technical staff and Enzo Maresca, are extremely happy with him.”

Marc Cucurella’s new contract

Romano revealed that Marc Cucurella, who was another stellar performer for Chelsea against Barcelona, has signed a secret new contract with the West London outfit.

“I can confirm he signed an improved contract at Chelsea in August. It was not publicly announced, but it is done. He is now a big part of the project and a perfect example of what is happening at Chelsea.

“For two years, he received heavy criticism and many people questioned the money paid to Brighton. Now he is doing great for Spain and great for Chelsea. One of the best left-backs in the world, a leader on and off the pitch, and man of the match against Barcelona. Full credit to Chelsea and to Cucurella for the turnaround.”

Current ETV

Marc Cucurella

D (L)

Chelsea

Marc Cucurella

D (L)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€40.3M - €49.2M

Real Madrid situation and Xabi Alonso

On Xabi Alonso’s increasingly fragile situation at Real Madrid, Romano says that the coach remains optimistic he will not be sacked, despite claims from Spain that it is simply a matter of time.

“After the poor performance against Elche there was criticism and speculation about Real Madrid potentially sacking him. What I can tell you is that we are not at that stage.

“Xabi Alonso continues working hard. He knows performances must improve but he has received no message from the people at the top of Real Madrid about being close to getting fired. Real Madrid are still leaders of La Liga and despite some issues, Xabi Alonso remains confident about his future.”

© IMAGO - Xabi Alonso: Safe at Real Madrid, according to Romano

Nico Paz future

Romano has debunked claims that Nico Paz could return to Real Madrid in January – but he does confirm the Argentine is liable to make a move next summer.

“On Real Madrid let me clarify something about Nico Paz. If you follow my information, I told you in September that the plan is for Nico Paz to join Real Madrid in 2026. Last summer Tottenham tried to sign him, but Como, Nico Paz and Real Madrid decided to reject the proposal. Real Madrid also have a €10m buyback clause, but this clause is not valid in January despite reports from South America.

“In my opinion and information, Nico Paz will return to Real Madrid in summer 2026. Nico Paz wants the move. He has already said yes to Real Madrid, but only for the summer.

“For now it is Como time. He has nine goal contributions already, he is the rising star of Serie A, twice winning the rising star award this season. He will complete the season at Como unless something extraordinary happens, and then Real Madrid will bring him back.”

STATS

Nico Paz

AM, M (C)

Como

Nico Paz

AM, M (C)

Como

13

Games
5

Goals
4

Assists

Summary

Neymar Jr has suffered a new meniscus injury and is expected to be out for the rest of 2025.
Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-0 and Estevao continues his outstanding form.
Marc Cucurella signed an improved contract at Chelsea in August.
Xabi Alonso is under pressure but is not close to being sacked by Real Madrid.
Nico Paz will return to Real Madrid in summer 2026, not in January.

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