Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd wonderkid update, Barcelona decisions, Rodrygo future insight

Robin Bairner

Updated: 4 Dec 2025 06:58 GMT
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Ruben Amorim, Rodrgyo, Eric Garcia — © IMAGO

The latest Fabrizio Romano transfer update focuses on Barcelona, but the transfer market expert also dropped important updates at Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Article continues under the video

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on Julian Alvarez

Romano spoke about the situation of Julian Alvarez, who has been linked with a possible move to the Catalans.

“Before the game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Atletico director Mateu Alemany, formerly with Barcelona, spoke about Julian Alvarez. He clarified his intention to keep Alvarez at the club. He explained that it is not about the contract, which is already long term. His message was full of positivity regarding Alvarez’s situation at Atletico until 2026,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“At the same time, interest from top clubs remains and Alvarez’s future will be one to watch in summer 2026. As I told you during the international break, the door on the player side is not closed. For now, though, Atletico want to keep the player and will fight to keep him.”

Current ETV

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

ETV Range

€109.3M - €133.6M

Eric Garcia signs new Barcelona deal

It was also confirmed that Eric Garcia is poised to sign a new contract at Barcelona, having been previously linked with PSG.

“He has agreed a new contract with Barcelona and it is done,” Romano confirmed. “Back in October I told you negotiations were advanced for Garcia to stay with a longer deal. One year ago, in January 2025, Como in Serie A under Cesc Fabregas almost completed a deal for Garcia, but everything collapsed because Hansi Flick blocked the move.

“Barcelona were going to receive around €8-9 million, but Flick wanted to keep Garcia because he can cover several positions and is seen as a super professional. Now he is staying and will sign a contract until June 2030. The deal is expected to be signed next week. Paris Saint Germain asked about his situation in September and October, but the answer was always clear. Garcia wanted to stay and be part of the project.”

Current ETV

Eric García

D (CR)

Barcelona

Eric García

D (CR)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€16.6M - €20.3M

Ronald Araujo experiencing personal difficulties

Romano also confirmed that all is not well with another Barcelona centre-back.

“I also wanted to address questions about Ronald Araujo. He is experiencing a difficult moment personally. It is not a virus, despite what was mentioned after he missed recent games. He also missed the match against Atletico Madrid. Hansi Flick asked for respect for the player because he is struggling,” he said.

“This is why Araujo did not train in the second part of last week or early this week and did not play at the weekend. A meeting took place between Barcelona and Araujo’s agents to discuss the situation and understand the best way forward. Barcelona are fully supporting the player. Director Deco, president Laporta, and Flick have all shown maximum support.

“There have been many questions about transfers, but I can guarantee that Barcelona and Araujo’s agents have not discussed anything imminent. The conversation was about his personal situation. We will see how the situation evolves over the next weeks and months. For now, the priority is helping Araujo recover from this difficult period following the red card at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.”

Rodrygo’s form and Real Madrid future

Across at Real Madrid, Romano looked at the case of Rodrygo, who has yet to make a serious impact under Xabi Alonso. He has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and most recently Chelsea.

“Another complicated moment concerns Rodrygo. He has not scored a single goal for Real Madrid in his last 30 games. That is not Real Madrid level and not Rodrygo level. Part of this is due to a very difficult moment he suffered in the second half of last season and in early 2025,” Romano said.

“Now he feels fine physically but is still struggling technically. Regarding the rumours, there is zero per cent truth in any story linking him with Chelsea. Forget it. There is nothing with Chelsea or Arsenal for January either. Arsenal are not working on a deal.

“Could Rodrygo leave Real Madrid in 2026? Yes, it is a possibility if a good proposal arrives. Both the club and the player would consider it. Manchester City wanted him last summer. For now, Real Madrid hope for an internal solution, with Rodrygo breaking this bad moment and moving forward. If not, the situation will be open in 2026.”

Current ETV

Rodrygo

F (R), M (RL)

Real Madrid

Rodrygo

F (R), M (RL)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€67.7M - €82.8M

JJ Gabriel followed by top European clubs

Finally, Romano touched on the case of Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel.

“Born in 2010, he is one of the best young talents in the world, playing for Manchester United Under 18. A true gem of the academy. Today rumours in England linked him with Barcelona,” Romano said.

“What I can say is that it is not only Barcelona. Several top clubs around Europe are following JJ Gabriel and really love the player. Last summer, Jason Wilcox at Manchester United did an excellent job to keep him at the club despite strong interest. He convinced the player to trust the project.

“It is not only Barcelona. A very big English club was also interested last summer. United are doing everything they can to keep him long term. They want to include him in the first team in the future. He has already trained with the first team at times and is seen internally as something very special.

“Barcelona are not in a more advanced position than any other club. The interest is at an early stage. United want to keep the player and believe he can be a crucial part of their long-term project.”

© JJ Gabriel/@jjnr10 - JJ Gabriel, Man Utd

Summary

Julian Alvarez: Atletico director Mateu Alemany wants to keep him until 2026, though top club interest remains.
Eric Garcia: Agrees new deal with Barcelona until 2030 after Hansi Flick blocked a move last year.
Ronald Araujo: Missing games due to personal difficulties, not illness. No transfer talks at this stage.
Rodrygo: 30 games without a goal. No Chelsea or Arsenal talks. A 2026 exit is possible depending on proposals.
JJ Gabriel: Followed by many top European clubs, but Manchester United confident and pushing to keep him long term.

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