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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd OFFER, Real Madrid SIGNING, Semenyo HIJACK?
Cameron Smith
- 29 Dec 2025 09:55 GMT
- 6 min read
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Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on several major stories ahead of the January window, including the latest on Ruben Neves, Nico Paz and Antoine Semenyo.
Antoine Semenyo hijack?
Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is expected to leave the club next month, although rumours have suggested that his proposed move to Manchester City could be hijacked. However, Romano has dismissed such suggestions in his latest YouTube video.
“In the last hours today, we had stories coming from England about Liverpool trying to hijack the deal for Antoine Semenyo,” he said.
“What’s the situation now? Liverpool have always been calling for Semenyo. They started calling in November, they continued calling before Christmas, and they kept on calling during the recent days to understand the situation.
Current ETV
Antoine Semenyo
M (RL)
B'mouth
Antoine Semenyo
M (RL)
B'mouth
ETV Range
€46.2M - €56.5M
“But I can guarantee to you that as of Sunday night, Liverpool have never approached Bournemouth to start a conversation or to tell them: ‘Okay, we’re going to pay the release clause.’
“This didn’t happen because the player’s preference is to go to Manchester City. Man City remain convinced that Semenyo wants to join them and they will try to seal the deal for Semenyo as soon as possible.
“His £65 million release clause is valid until 10 January, so City and Bournemouth will be in contact again over the next few days to try to close the deal for Semenyo.
“Liverpool are calling on the player's side to understand the situation, but at the moment they are just calling. If Liverpool go into action for the hijack, I will let you know.
“Man City have an agreement with Semenyo, and Man City are talking to Bournemouth - something that Liverpool, as of today, are not doing.”
Romano added: “Many of you are asking me if Manchester United have joined this hijack attempt. No - Man Utd have not returned to the case. And this is also why Man Utd are waiting to communicate with Roma for Joshua Zirkzee.
“Man Utd, via intermediaries, have received an official bid from Roma for Joshua Zirkzee. It’s a loan with a potential obligation to buy. Roma have an agreement with Zirkzee. Zirkzee is ready to go to Roma, but this deal depends on Man Utd.
“If they give the green light, the deal can be closed at any moment. But this depends on United. And obviously, with United at the moment not chasing Semenyo, it means that the timing could be different at Man Utd.”
Ruben Neves update
Meanwhile, Romano has confirmed that Man Utd are yet to lodge an official bid for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves.
“I’m not aware of a negotiation for Ruben Neves,” the transfer expert revealed. “What I can tell you is that Man Utd spoke with the agent of Neves about several topics, but they didn’t send a bid.
“Neves’ contract is due to expire in the summer 2026, so in recent months, Al-Hilal made a proposal to Ruben to extend the contract. The proposal is still on the table, but Neves has still not agreed to signing a new contract with Al-Hilal.
“There is no green light from the player and Neves is considering the possibility of returning to Europe in the summer on a free or in January. Obviously, in that case, a negotiation club-to-club would be needed.
“Several clubs are aware of the possibility of getting Neves in this January transfer window, especially if he doesn’t sign a new contract, so now it’s on the player. He has to decide what he wants to do and his agent is speaking to several clubs.”
Jadon Sancho latest
Man Utd are set to sanction several departures in 2026 and Jadon Sancho is one of the players who will permanently leave the club next year.
“Jadon Sancho is out of contract in the summer transfer window. Man Utd have an option to extend, but from what I’m told, they have already been clear with people close to Sancho,” Romano admitted.
“Man Utd believe that the chapter of Sancho at Man Utd is closed and there is no chance to find a different way. Sancho will not play for Man Utd again and this is the clear position of the club.
“We will be following what’s going to happen. Now I think it’s time to let Jadon Sancho take his time with Aston Villa, enjoy his time at Aston Villa, and try to make an impact.”
Nico Paz to rejoin Real Madrid?
Finally, Romano confirmed that Como starlet Nico Paz is likely to become Real Madrid’s first signing of 2026.
“There are many questions coming from Real Madrid fans on Nico Paz - asking if it’s true that the deal is done for the summer transfer window,” he said.
“I maintain what I’ve been telling you guys for months. Real Madrid have the buy-back clause for Paz at around €9 million. Real Madrid already have an agreement with Paz to rejoin the club and he wants to go to Real Madrid.
“But remember, despite what was said a few months ago, January was never the topic - it has always been about summer 2026, not the January transfer window.
“So Real Madrid still consider the opportunity to bring Paz back to the club. They have an agreement with Paz to bring him back. That’s 100% confirmed. Paz wants to play for Real Madrid - that’s very clear.
“So now we have to understand what’s going to happen in the summer: if they will trigger the buyback clause or try to agree on terms with Como. But in any case, Real Madrid have total control over Paz and consider him as one of the players for their future - probably their first signing for 2026.”
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