Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea new manager, Man United tension, Real Madrid stance

Robin Bairner

5 Jan 2026 07:32 GMT
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Liam Rosenior, Ruben Amorim — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano provides the latest transfer updates on Chelsea’s new manager, Manchester United’s internal situation, Real Madrid decisions, Bayern talents and the Joao Cancelo race.

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Chelsea close in on new head coach

Chelsea are finalising the appointment of their next manager, with the process now at its concluding stages.

“Chelsea are set to welcome their new head coach this week, and it will be Liam Rosenior. The agreement is now almost completed, with only final formal steps remaining before everything is signed and sealed,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“Rosenior has always been the main candidate, the leading name, to replace Enzo Maresca after his decision to leave the club in recent days. The internal decision has already been made by Chelsea.

“Liam Rosenior is now in London, having arrived to complete the formal interview process with the Chelsea board, management and ownership. These are standard steps, but the direction is very clear.

“The here we go is approaching. There are no doubts that Rosenior will become the new face of the Chelsea project as head coach, and this is considered a key step in what BlueCo want to build in the coming months and years.”

Chelsea’s ownership structure means Rosenior’s move is directly linked to decisions at Strasbourg.

Romano added: “Before Rosenior is officially confirmed at Chelsea, Strasbourg are expected to appoint their new manager. This is also planned for this week.

“BlueCo are handling both situations carefully. Chelsea are the priority, but Strasbourg are not being treated as a secondary project.

“There is a shortlist of three candidates, all young coaches with a clear vision, and talks are ongoing. Very soon we will also have clarity on the new Strasbourg manager.”

Manchester United tensions behind the scenes

Manchester United’s managerial situation is becoming increasingly strained amid transfer frustrations.

“After today’s draw, played in difficult conditions with several players unavailable, there is clear tension behind the scenes at Manchester United,” Romano said.

“There is tension between Ruben Amorim and the club’s management. His words in the press conference were strong and reflected frustration with how the club is operating in the transfer market.

© IMAGO - Ruben Amorim: Increasing tensions at Man Utd

“United were in the race for Antoine Semenyo, but the player chose Manchester City. At this moment, it is not easy for United to find replacements for players attracting interest, including Joshua Zirkzee.

“The situation remains on standby. Nothing is advanced, nothing is close, and it is normal that Amorim is not fully satisfied at this stage.

“Amorim was very clear when he said he signed as Manchester United manager, not just as a coach. That distinction matters to him.

“When he joined in November, he communicated clearly that he wants to play a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 system. At the moment, recruitment is not fully aligned with that vision.

“There are internal discussions ongoing, and it is still early in the January transfer window. United were ready to invest for Semenyo, but the agreement with the player was not possible.

“We will see how the club respond in the coming weeks to support Amorim and move the project forward.”

Real Madrid stance on Gonzalo Garcia

Real Madrid have no intention of allowing one of their emerging talents to leave.

“Congratulations to Gonzalo Garcia after a fantastic performance at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 5-1 win,” Romano said.

“Despite rumours from Juventus and Stuttgart, there was never any possibility of Gonzalo Garcia leaving in January. The decision was made months ago.

Current ETV

Gonzalo García

F (C), AM (L)

Real Madrid

Gonzalo García

F (C), AM (L)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€16.4M - €20.1M

“He is considered untouchable by the club and by president Florentino Perez, who is proud to see a player developed at Real Madrid shining at this level.

“The manager trusted him already at the Club World Cup and continues to do so. Gonzalo Garcia is staying, with no discussions taking place.”

Bayern talent Lennart Karl addresses Real Madrid dream

A young Bayern star has spoken openly about his long-term ambitions.

“Lennart Karl, 17 years old, has been outstanding this season with six goals and two assists for Bayern Munich,” Romano said.

“In an interview with Sky Germany, he spoke honestly about his dream of one day playing for Real Madrid. This was not a message about leaving Bayern.

Current ETV

Lennart Karl

M (R)

Bayern

Lennart Karl

M (R)

Bayern

ETV Range

€23.9M - €29.2M

“He loves Bayern, is proud to be there, and fully focused on his development. His present and immediate future are clearly with Bayern.

“One day, the dream may be Real Madrid, but right now he is committed and performing at a very high level.”

Joao Cancelo decision expected this week

The future of Joao Cancelo is approaching a decisive moment.

“An important week is coming for Joao Cancelo. Inter are ready to proceed and have confirmed they are prepared to structure a deal with Al-Hilal,” Romano explained.

“However, Cancelo has been waiting for Barcelona. Now the decision is with Barca, who must evaluate financial, registration and technical aspects.

Current ETV

João Cancelo

D (RL)

Al-Hilal

João Cancelo

D (RL)

Al-Hilal

ETV Range

€9.7M - €11.8M

“Cancelo wants to be a Barcelona player. If Barcelona do not move in the coming days, he cannot wait indefinitely.

“Inter are ready in the background to step in with his agent Jorge Mendes and Al-Hilal, and this situation will develop quickly in the next few days.”