Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: KEY Salah moment, Man Utd DECISIONS, Alonso PRESSURE

Robin Bairner

13 Dec 2025 09:20 GMT
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano transfer news, Mo Salah, Xabi Alonso, Ruben Amorim — © IMAGO

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given the latest updates from the market, including the latest on Mo Salah and big decisions looming at Manchester United and Real Madrid.

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Mo Salah situation at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah’s clash with Liverpool continues to dominate headlines, with Romano revealing that a “key” moment in his career is about to arrive.

Current ETV

Mohamed Salah

F, M (R)

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah

F, M (R)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€41.6M - €50.9M

He explained on his YouTube channel: “Today the big story is once again about Mo Salah. This morning, Arne Slot spoke at his press conference and clarified an important point. He said clearly: ‘I never said I don’t want Mo Salah back’. That decision was not about pushing the player away, but about managing the situation after the statements made last weekend.

“Slot also confirmed that there would be a direct conversation with Salah later in the day. That face-to-face meeting took place after training, and sources close to the situation describe it as a positive and constructive discussion between the two.

“At the same time, from the Liverpool side, the message is that there is still work to do. Everything is not fully resolved yet between the player, the coach and the club. However, the tone of the meeting was good and this is why Mo Salah has been included in the matchday squad for the Brighton game at Anfield.

“This is an important development because only one week ago, Salah said publicly that he had invited his family to the Brighton match to say goodbye before travelling for AFCON. Now he is back in the squad and we will see how the situation evolves.

“AFCON will be a key moment. Salah will be away with Egypt, and that period could be crucial in understanding whether he will stay and try to fully repair the relationship or whether the market will become an option.

“Liverpool’s stance remains the same. Salah is under contract until 2027 and the club are not putting him on the market. If Salah wants to leave, Liverpool’s message is simple: bring proposals. Interest from Saudi Arabia and other leagues is known, but as of today, no formal offers have arrived.”

Xabi Alonso under pressure at Real Madrid

Another important subject is the future of Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso, who seemed to save himself from the sack in the midweek 2-1 loss to Manchester City.

“The club are facing an injury crisis with several absences through injuries and suspensions, and the situation around Xabi Alonso remains delicate,” Romano said.

“After the defeat against Manchester City, the public message from Real Madrid was calm and patience. The club want to give Alonso time to work and to try to fix the problems. However, internally, his position is far from fully secure.

“The upcoming match against Alaves is seen as extremely important. Real Madrid want to see improvements in performances and results. If the negative trend continues, the situation could become very hot again in the coming weeks.

“At this moment, Alonso has the club’s backing, but that support is conditional. Results must arrive, and quickly.”

Zinedine Zidane links explained

Is Zinedine Zidane being linked up to replace the Spaniard? Romano has explained the rumours.

“There have been many questions about Zinedine Zidane, especially after he was seen at the Bernabeu. Zidane has an excellent relationship with Florentino Pérez and everyone at Real Madrid, but as of today, there are no talks about him replacing Xabi Alonso,” Romano said.

“My understanding is that Zidane’s only agreement is a verbal one with the French Football Federation to become France head coach after the 2026 World Cup, replacing Didier Deschamps.

“So for now, Zidane being present at Real Madrid games does not mean anything imminent. If something changes, I will let you know, but at this stage, it is only speculation.”

Manchester United and January decisions

Romano has revealed, meanwhile, that Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim is ready to take an unpopular decision at Old Trafford.

“Finally, on Manchester United, two important situations to monitor: Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee,” Romano said.

“With several players leaving for AFCON, Ruben Amorim does not want to weaken the squad further in January. This is a key factor in United’s thinking.

“Roma have strong and genuine interest in Joshua Zirkzee. They have spoken to his representatives and consider him a priority target. However, this deal depends entirely on Manchester United, and as of now, there is no green light.

“Kobbie Mainoo is also pushing to play more and would like a loan move. There are more than ten clubs interested, including Napoli, who have been pushing for weeks. But again, United have not made a decision yet.

“The message from Old Trafford is clear. Because of AFCON and squad depth concerns, no exits will be approved unless United feel fully protected. The desire of the players is there, but the final decision belongs to the club.”

Compared

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

VS

Kobbie Mainoo

M, DM (C)

Man Utd

Kobbie Mainoo

M, DM (C)

Man Utd

€36.1M	ETV	€62.7M
€32.5M - €39.7M	ETV Range	€56.4M - €69M
24 years old (22 May, 2001)	Age	20 years old (19 Apr, 2005)
Netherlands	Nationality	England

Summary

Mo Salah held a positive meeting with Arne Slot and is back in Liverpool’s squad, but work remains to fully resolve the situation.
Liverpool are not putting Salah on the market and await formal proposals if he wants to leave.
Xabi Alonso remains under pressure at Real Madrid, with upcoming games crucial for his future.
Zinedine Zidane has no talks with Real Madrid and remains focused on a future role with France.
Manchester United are delaying January exits for Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee due to AFCON and squad depth concerns.

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