Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd CONFIRMATION, Semenyo DECISION, Real Madrid UPDATE

Cameron Smith

• 28 Dec 2025 09:56 GMT
• 7 min read

News

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has dropped a major update on several key stories ahead of the January window, including the latest on Carlos Baleba, Antoine Semenyo and Kees Smit.

Antoine Semenyo wants Man City

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is wanted by every top club in the Premier League, however he has now decided to target a move to Manchester City.

“The decision of the player is to join Man City,” Romano admitted in his latest YouTube video. “A very clear decision by Antoine Semenyo, who wants to become a new Man City player and wants to make it happen.

Current ETV

Antoine Semenyo

M (RL)

B'mouth

Antoine Semenyo

M (RL)

B'mouth

€51.3M

ETV Range

€46.2M - €56.5M

View full profile

“As I told you a few days ago, Man City will be in touch with Bournemouth to close the deal for Semenyo as soon as possible.

“What Man City are prepared to do is to try to reach an agreement with Bournemouth. They will be in direct, club-to-club negotiations after Man City agreed terms with the player. If they can’t agree on a package, there is still the release clause, and Man City are still prepared to eventually pay it. But if they can find a solution with Bournemouth, they would be happy.

“The two clubs will be in direct contact from tomorrow. Any moment could be good over the next couple of days to try to reach an agreement and seal the deal for Semenyo. So the ‘Here We Go’ is still expected soon. Let’s wait for these steps, and then Semenyo could become the first big signing of 2026 in English football.

“Semenyo is really, really looking forward to the opportunity to play under Pep Guardiola, to join the Man City project, to try to win trophies for the future, of course, but also this season already. City are doing fantastic, and Semenyo feels that this move is for the present and the future as well, in terms of winning trophies.

“So discussions are well underway to close this deal for Antoine Semenyo.”

Ruben Neves to Man Utd?

Manchester United have been linked with a number of central midfielders since the summer transfer window slammed shut on 1 September, but a move for Ruben Neves is currently unlikely.

“On the other side of Manchester, guys, I wanted to clarify a couple of things. The first one is on Ruben Neves,” Romano said.

“I saw many of you asking me about what I said the other day here on the channel. Let me be clear: I didn’t post anything on Neves on my social media because there is no news on Neves in terms of negotiations, bids, or talks.

“What Man Utd did was to be in touch with the agent, who also represents Neves. But Man Utd did not start a real negotiation with Neves or with Al Hilal to sign the player. So at this stage, nothing is moving.

“They spoke about several players, not just Neves, several opportunities, ideas, talents. Neves is represented by one of the most powerful agents in football, so that’s absolutely normal. But nothing has really changed so far.

“So Man Utd have not started negotiations for Neves. Man Utd have spoken to the agent of Neves, who is also the agent of many young, talented players around Europe. That’s something important to clarify.”

Carlos Baleba to Man Utd update

However, Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba is firmly on Man Utd’s radar and they could launch a renewed pursuit of his signature next year.

“In terms of midfielders, one of the names I want to maintain since August on Man Utd’s shortlist is Carlos Baleba, because Man Utd - I can guarantee - have not stopped discussing the name of Carlos Baleba internally. Baleba is still seen as an ideal solution by Ruben Amorim and the people at the club,” Romano revealed.

“Together with Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace and Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest, Baleba is seen as one of the ideal midfielders for Amorim.

“So Baleba is super appreciated by Man Utd. A January move is still seen as unlikely, but any moment - January or summer - if Brighton decide to open the door to an exit, Man Utd remain absolutely interested in the player. They remain in contact with people close to the player.

“There were rumours in December about Bayern Munich being interested in Carlos Baleba. From what I am told, Bayern, at this stage, are not working on a deal for Baleba. They feel that the player wants to stay in England. They feel that last summer he wanted to go to Man Utd, and Bayern are aware of that.

“They have not started a proper negotiation for Baleba as of today. If something changes in the summer, I will let you know. But as of today, January 2026, Bayern are not seriously working on a deal to sign Carlos Baleba.”

Bayern Munich latest

While Bayern aren’t in talks over a deal for Baleba, Romano has confirmed they are eager to sign Brazil wonderkid Rayan instead.

“On Bayern, guys, let me mention something else,” the transfer news expert said. “I can confirm the Brazilian reports on Rayan, the 19-year-old Brazilian winger from Vasco da Gama. Rayan is on Bayern’s shortlist. Bayern are following the player closely from a scouting point of view.

“He is doing very well for Vasco da Gama in Brazil, and Bayern are monitoring him. At the moment, there is still no official bid on the table and no official negotiations, but I can confirm that Bayern are following Rayan.

“It’s not only Bayern - there are several European clubs interested in this boy—but Bayern are keen. There has already been some initial contact to understand the situation. So for sure, Rayan is one of the players they are tracking.

“In terms of South American wingers, he is one of the most interesting 19-year-old talents around.”

Kees Smit to move next summer

Finally, Romano provided a transfer update on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, who has been linked with several top clubs throughout the 2025-26 season so far.

“Another player to watch is Kees Smit, the Dutch midfielder from AZ Alkmaar. Trust me on this boy. I think he will move eventually, but not before the summer. At the moment, there is no concrete deal for January - it’s one to watch for the future,” Romano admitted.

“All the top clubs are interested. Real Madrid have been scouting the player for sure. Clubs in England, top, top clubs, have been scouting him as well. So there is huge interest.

“When you see in the media figures like €45-50 million for Kees Smit, what I can guarantee to you today is that AZ Alkmaar are absolutely not selling the player for that amount. Way more is needed, and not in this January transfer window.

“Sources tell me that AZ have already received proposals around €60 million, and AZ said no. For them, the player is worth way more than the reported €45–50 million.

“So for Kees Smit, there is a lot of interest: Spain, Real Madrid, England, all the top clubs. There is massive attention on this boy. He will join a top, top, top club for sure - but again, at this stage, still no deal for the January transfer window.”

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