Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Salah OUT vs Brighton? Alonso SACK latest, Araujo’s special trip

Robin Bairner

10 Dec 2025 07:41 GMT
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano transfer news, Mohamed Salah, Xabi Alonso — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has given an update from the transfer market, with the latest on Mohamed Salah’s situation at Liverpool, the future of under-fire managers Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso, as well as a Barcelona star who took an unexpected break.

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Will Liverpool drop Mo Salah for Brighton?

Salah’s situation continues to dominate football transfer news after Liverpool won 1-0 away to Inter Milan without him. But will he be frozen out against Brighton? Romano gave an update on the situation.

Current ETV

Mohamed Salah

F (CR), M (R)

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah

F (CR), M (R)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€36.1M - €44.1M

“One of the major stories today is the situation of Mo Salah. As expected, Salah has not travelled with Liverpool to face Inter. This decision was never made by the player. It was not Salah who asked to stay out of the squad,” Romano said.

“This was a decision taken by Liverpool management together with manager Arne Slot. They discussed the situation on Sunday, following Salah’s explosive interview about his future, his relationship with Slot, and his general situation at the club. After those strong statements, they decided to exclude him from this match.

“For Brighton, it depends on what happens in the next days. Salah is not out of the squad on a permanent basis. He is out for the Inter game only. Liverpool will reassess the situation afterwards.

“Salah has shared an Instagram story showing him working in the gym. His message is clear: he was not involved in the decision to stay out of the squad, and he wants to play. But Liverpool’s reaction is also clear. They cannot accept these kinds of public statements.

“Another important point: Liverpool have not sanctioned Salah financially. No fines. This is a technical decision, not a disciplinary punishment.

“Liverpool will reassess everything after the Inter game ahead of Brighton. Salah had already hinted on Saturday night that he had invited his family to the Brighton match at Anfield because he wanted to say goodbye before leaving for AFCON. He was keeping the door open.

“At the moment, Liverpool have received no proposal from Salah, from his agent, or from any club regarding a possible January exit. He was suggesting it could be a possibility, but no negotiations are taking place. Saudi clubs remain attentive, and there is also interest from MLS.

“The next days will be crucial, especially regarding the Brighton game.”

Liverpool backing Arne Slot

Victory in Milan helped ease any growing pressure on manager Arne Slot, though Romano says that Dutchman continues to have the full backing of the board.

“What is also very clear is that Liverpool are showing full support to Slot. Despite Salah being a legend of the club and a player who only recently signed a new contract until 2027, the club have backed their manager,” Romano added.

“They made this decision together with Slot. They have given him power and support in a difficult moment for the team. Despite poor results, Liverpool are standing with their manager. Of course, the results must change as soon as possible.

“There have also been rumours about possible candidates if Liverpool were to part ways with Slot. But regarding Jurgen Klopp, I am not aware of any contact with Liverpool. There are no talks about a return. Klopp is said to be happy and focused on his project with Red Bull.

“So right now, there is zero indication of Liverpool contacting Klopp.”

Xabi Alonso focused on Real Madrid

Another coach under fire is Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso, with reports in Spain suggesting he will be sacked should his side fail to beat Manchester City. Could he become Liverpool’s next manager if Slot unexpectedly leaves his post?

“When asked about Liverpool, he said there is a bond, but he is where he wants to be. In the future, you never know,” Romano said.

“Let me clarify: when Xabi Alonso speaks about the future, he means the coming years. He has always loved both Liverpool and Real Madrid, but right now there are no contacts because he is entirely focused on fixing the situation at Madrid.

“Real Madrid are dealing with difficult performances and multiple injuries, including Camavinga being out for the City game and uncertainty around Mbappé. Alonso is fully focused on this job. Stories linking him to Liverpool at this moment are just speculation.

“If anything concrete happens in future, I will let you know, but today there is nothing.”

Ronald Araujo personal break in Tel Aviv

Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo has had a difficult start to the season, such that he has been given a leave of absence, with Romano explaining that he has taken a holiday.

" It is true that Araujo has travelled to Tel Aviv for a spiritual and religious trip. He is having a very difficult personal moment and needed time to reset mentally,” Romano said.

“Barcelona supported this trip. Araujo informed the club, and they approved his plans. He will spend a few days there to disconnect and regain his mental balance.

“Barcelona hope to see him back in the best shape possible. They will put no pressure on him. This is a moment for Araujo to find stability again.

“Discussions about his future, possible transfers, or centre-backs for Barcelona are not relevant right now. The priority is his wellbeing.”

Summary

Mo Salah was excluded from the Liverpool squad by management and Arne Slot, not by his own choice.
No financial sanctions issued to Salah, and the decision currently applies only to the Inter match.
No offers have been received for Salah despite interest from Saudi Arabia and MLS.
Liverpool are backing Arne Slot completely, despite recent poor results.
Jurgen Klopp has had zero contact with Liverpool about a return.
Xabi Alonso is focused on Real Madrid and has no contact with Liverpool.
Ronald Araujo has travelled to Tel Aviv for a personal spiritual break with Barcelona's approval.

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