-
News
- 58 minutes ago
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: €50m Man Utd DEAL, Barcelona SURPRISE, double Saudi BOMB
Tom Weber
- Updated: 31 Dec 2025 13:56 GMT
- 7 min read
News
Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Rasmus Hojlund, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves.
Semenyo to Man City all but done
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that Antoine Semenyo's move to Man City could be finalised at any moment.
"For Antoine Semenyo, Man City are closing in on a deal to bring in the new winger from Bournemouth. There is an agreement ready with the player in terms of personal terms. So the contract is almost ready. Just about some final details on the agent's side.
"They've been discussing in the last 24 hours, Man City and the agents of Semenyo. We know, the preference of Semenyo is to join Man City in this January transfer window, despite first Tottenham, then Man Utd, then Liverpool, also Chelsea making some enquiries to sign Semenyo.
"The contacts between Man City and Bournemouth were very positive on Tuesday, despite the player being on the pitch against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. At the same time in the morning, Bournemouth and Man City were closing in on this deal. It's going to be £65 million. The deal is almost ready."
Cancelo wanted by three clubs
Next up, Romano revealed that Barcelona, Inter and Juventus are interested in Al-Hilal full-back Joao Cancelo.
"Keep an eye on Cancelo in the next days, in the next hours, and in this transfer window, because Cancelo wants to go. The relationship between Cancelo and the technical staff at Al-Hilal is not excellent, let's say it like this.
"Cancelo wants to try something different, to return to Europe. My understanding is that, instead of staying in Saudi, the priority of Cancelo is not about the money, it's about returning to Europe, to competitive football.
"It's an opportunity ahead of the World Cup to be back in a starting XI, to feel good. It could be a bomb in the upcoming days. What I can tell you is that Inter have called. Inter are interested in Cancelo. There is an injury for Denzel Dumfries.
"Inter are looking for a right back in the January window, and Cancelo is a player they know very well, he already used to play for Inter before joining Juventus and Man City in that part of his career. Cancelo is considering this possibility to go back to Inter. It's a chance.
"Juventus also made the call, but at the moment it's still less advanced compared to Inter's attempt. And then Barcelona. Also Barcelona made the call to understand the situation of Cancelo, but for Barcelona it was just explorative.
"We know they have a very good relationship with the agent of the player, Jorge Mendes. Barcelona wanted to understand the situation. But at the moment, Barca, we know the priority for Hansi Flick would be to have a new centre-back. Don't forget about Financial Fair Play as well.
"Cancelo could leave Al-Hilal on loan. It could be an opportunity, but then there is the salary. Cancelo is on a big salary at Al-Hilal. So the only way, eventually, would be a big reduction of the salary or to try to find a balance in terms of exits and incomings. So not easy for Barca at this stage."
Neves also looking to leave Al-Hilal
Romano also reiterated that Ruben Neves is looking to leave Al-Hilal.
"When I mention Jorge Mendes, he's the same agent of Ruben Neves. Mendes is also working on the situation of Neves, and Neves will make a decision very soon. On one side, he has a new contract proposal from Al-Hilal.
"Compared to Cancelo, it's a completely different situation. Cancelo wants to leave the club, and Al-Hilal also want Cancelo to go. In the case of Neves, Al-Hilal want Neves to stay. Al-Hilal have offered him a new contract.
"Al-Hilal are trying to make it happen after extending the contract of Kalidou Koulibaly and more players. Now it's on the player. Neves also has more possibilities, and don't forget this, Neves is out of contract in the summer of 2026, in a few months.
"Neves can decide whatever he wants. Mendes spoke with Man Utd about different players. For Neves, at the moment, there is no proposal, but there was a conversation with Mendes. At Man Utd, they have different priorities in that position. But there are more clubs interested in Neves in Europe."
Bournemouth planning for life after Senesi
In addition to Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth are also bracing themselves for the exit of Marco Senesi in the summer.
"Bournemouth are preparing for a new centre-back in the summer transfer window because they expect Marco Senesi to leave the club as a free agent. There is no expectation at Bournemouth for Senesi to sign a new contract at the club.
"It will be a big opportunity with clubs interested in the Premier League, clubs interested in La Liga. For example, Barcelona made some calls to understand the situation. Clubs interested in Italy, Juventus also made some calls.
"Very good centre-back, Premier League proven, and available on a free. And so, Bournemouth have started exploring opportunities on the market. For example, they sent their scouts to Italy several times. Don't forget that Bournemouth found Dean Huijsen in Italy when they had a big opportunity to bring in a young centre-back.
"They will try to do something similar. They are following [Tarik] Muharemovic at Sassuolo, they are following Thiago Gabriel at Lecce. Bournemouth are tracking the Italian market for the new centre-back, but it means that Senesi could be absolutely one to watch in the summer transfer window."
Man Utd ready for Hojlund windfall
Lastly, Romano addressed the situation of Rasmus Hojlund, who is essentially guaranteed to sign for Napoli permanently from Man Utd after his loan.
"Very good news for Man Utd because Napoli confirmed that they believe the obligation to buy for Rasmus Hojlund will be just a formality. It will happen in 2026. I know there were some stories around about Napoli being limited on the market, not being able to invest.
"That's not the case for Hojlund. Napoli believe that in the summer transfer window, they will trigger the obligation to buy for Hoijlund. It's going to be worth €44 million plus €6m already paid in the summer transfer window by Napoli to get Hojlund on an initial loan deal from Man Utd.
"So Man Utd will have €50m from the Hojlund deal. That's obviously really important news for United. That's also one of the reasons why they want to invest in 2026 because they know they will have fresh money from Hojlund.
"There will be plenty to say also in the next months about the Jadon Sancho situation, the Mason Greenwood situation because Man United still hold a big sell-on clause, then Marcus Rashford.
"The director of Napoli, Giovanni Manna, speaking to Corriere dello Sport in Italy today confirms, 'We believe that Hojlund will be our player on a permanent transfer. We believe this will be a formality.'
"The message coming from Napoli is very clear. In public, in private, officially, and that means that for Man Utd, fresh money is coming."
Football transfer news headlines today
Chelsea Transfer News Today: Striker signing greenlit as wonderkid pushes for move
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Record deal planned as Arteta's shortlist revealed
Man Utd Transfer News Today: January SIGNING plan confirmed amid €120m twist
REVEALED: Arsenal's EIGHT-man January shortlist
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
