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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Next Chelsea manager, Maresca future, West Ham deals
Robin Bairner
- 2 Jan 2026 07:04 GMT
- 6 min read
News
Major January transfer decisions are accelerating across the Premier League, with Chelsea moving quickly on a new manager, West Ham striking early in the market, Crystal Palace sealing Brennan Johnson, and Joao Cancelo’s future nearing a decisive moment.
Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have moved swiftly to complete their first signing of 2026.
Current ETV
Brennan Johnson
F, M (R)
Tottenham
Brennan Johnson
F, M (R)
Tottenham
ETV Range
€44.5M - €54.4M
“Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace is here we go. The deal is agreed for £33.5 million with Tottenham and with the player,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“Brennan Johnson is not in the Tottenham matchday squad because he is moving to Crystal Palace.
“He is in London to complete his medical and everything is agreed.
“Brennan Johnson spoke with Oliver Glasner today and they are ready to start this new chapter together.”
Chelsea and Enzo Maresca split
Chelsea have acted decisively following weeks of internal tension with regards their manager, and Romano has backed FootballTransfers’ exclusive that Liam Rosenior is a leading candidate to replace him.
“Chelsea decided to part ways immediately with Enzo Maresca,” Romano said. “It is over today after a very complicated and tense situation between the parties. There were many questions about the future and today the decision has been made.
“Let me be very clear on some names. Oliver Glasner will not be the next Chelsea manager. There are no contacts. Cesc Fabregas will not leave Como. Forget about that.
“Forget about superstars like Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane or Jose Mourinho. Chelsea will not go for that kind of solution.
“Chelsea are looking for the perfect fit for their project.
“Liam Rosenior is the leading candidate to become the new Chelsea manager. He is really appreciated internally and discussions are ongoing.
“If Chelsea appoint Rosenior, then BlueCo will also need a solution for Strasbourg.
“They want to protect the Strasbourg project and make sure they have a strong coach. So this could be the domino. This could be the plan.”
Enzo Maresca and Manchester City
Manchester City’s interest in Maresca remains real but is conditional.
“Manchester City genuinely appreciate Enzo Maresca,” Romano went on to say. They know him very well from his time working with Pep Guardiola and in the academy.
“But everything depends on Pep Guardiola. If Pep decides to leave at the end of the season, then Enzo Maresca would be happy to consider the job.
“Pep has not decided anything and has not communicated anything. He is fully focused on Manchester City.
“This is a contingency plan. Enzo Maresca is not the only name, but he is appreciated.”
Manchester United stance on Maresca
Despite speculation, there is no movement from Old Trafford.
Romano explained: “There are no talks between Manchester United and Enzo Maresca.
“Manchester United are backing Ruben Amorim and are not planning for anything different at this stage.
“The link is probably connected to Omar Berrada having worked with Maresca in the past, but nothing is happening.”
West Ham early January business
West Ham have launched an aggressive start to the January window with multiple attacking additions.
“West Ham are very active on the market,” Romano explained. “They have agreed a deal for Pablo, the centre forward from Gil Vicente, for €23 million. They have also agreed a deal in principle for Taty Castellanos from Lazio for €29 million.
“So it is a busy start of the transfer window for West Ham United.”
Compared
Pablo Felipe Pereira de Jesus
F (C)
Gil
Pablo Felipe Pereira de Jesus
F (C)
Gil
VS
Taty Castellanos
F (C)
Lazio
Taty Castellanos
F (C)
Lazio
|
|
ETV |
|
| €1.5M - €2.2M | ETV Range | €22.4M - €27.3M |
| 22 years old (02 Jan, 2004) | Age | 27 years old (03 Oct, 1998) |
|
Brazil
|
Nationality |
Argentina
|
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also reviewing wide attacking reinforcements, with one high-profile name among the players they are chasing.
“West Ham are discussing winger options internally. Raheem Sterling is one of the names being considered. Other names like Adama Traore are also discussed,” Romano said.
“Sterling is out of Chelsea’s project, together with Axel Disasi. Chelsea hope to find solutions for both players in January.”
Joao Cancelo transfer race
Joao Cancelo’s January exit from Al-Hilal is confirmed, with Italy now leading the chase.
“Joao Cancelo will leave Al Hilal in January. It is 100 percent decided. It is over with Simone Inzaghi,” Romano said.
“At this stage, Barcelona are not convinced to proceed. They are aware of the opportunity but are not advancing.
“Inter are pushing. They are in contact with Jorge Mendes and with Al Hilal.
“Juventus have also called in recent days. Inter want Cancelo and it is now up to the player to decide.”
Current ETV
João Cancelo
D (RL)
Al-Hilal
João Cancelo
D (RL)
Al-Hilal
ETV Range
€9.7M - €11.8M
Related stories:
Chelsea sources LASH OUT at 'disrespectful' Enzo Maresca
TRANSFER RUMOURS: Man Utd want Mateta as Crystal Palace agree £33m deal
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