Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Endrick to Chelsea, Liverpool talks, Barcelona double deal

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 31 Jan 2026 09:05 GMT
  • 7 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Denzel Dumfries, Endrick, Transfer Rumours
© IMAGO

As the transfer window draws to a close, Fabrizio Romano has delivered news on Chelsea’s interest in Endrick, Liverpool’s right-back plans, Barcelona making two signings and much more.

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Barcelona transfer news: Hamza deal and Fermin Lopez contract

Two deals have been completed by Barcelona, who are looking to the future with their January transfer business.

“Barcelona have agreed a deal for Hamza from Al-Ahli. Here we go from last night, all done. It is a loan with a buy option clause, with the player ready to travel for medical tests and contract signing. He will join the Barca B squad initially, with the potential to become part of the first team in the future,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“Barcelona have also officially extended the contract of Fermin Lopez. This is something I mentioned on the channel a few days ago. The new deal runs until 2031, with a new €500 million release clause and an improved salary.

“According to Barcelona, Fermin deserved a new contract not only because of his performances on the pitch, with over 20 goal contributions, but also because he rejected a move to Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The club had the feeling Chelsea were still monitoring the situation and wanted to act quickly.”

Current ETV
Player image Fermín López
Fermín López

M (C), AM (L)

Barcelona logo

Barcelona

Fermín López
Fermín López

M (C), AM (L)

Barcelona

Barcelona

€63.5M

ETV Range

€57.1M - €69.8M

Liverpool right-back situation and Inter talks

Arne Slot’s side are looking at options to solves their right-back crisis and have spoken to Inter Milan about Denzel Dumfries.

“Liverpool are still discussing internally the possibility of bringing in a right-back until the end of the season. The feeling has always been that there are not strong enough options on the market at this stage,” Romano said.

“After the injury to Conor Bradley, Liverpool explored the market again, including a check on Jeremie Frimpong, but there are still no concrete options.

Current ETV
Player image Denzel Dumfries
Denzel Dumfries

D, M (R)

Inter logo

Inter

Denzel Dumfries
Denzel Dumfries

D, M (R)

Inter

Inter

€34.4M

ETV Range

€31M - €37.9M

“Today, Liverpool had a club-to-club conversation with Inter. There is a very good relationship between the clubs. Liverpool asked about the situation of Denzel Dumfries, including his injury status.

“The release clause of around €20 to 25m is not valid in January, only in the summer. Dumfries is expected to be out for a short period, around 10 to 20 days, but Liverpool have not sent any bid and have not started negotiations.

“My understanding is that Liverpool would only consider this opportunity on a loan basis due to the injury, but Inter do not want to do a loan deal. So at the moment, this was just a normal club-to-club conversation, nothing more.”

Denzel Dumfries, Inter, 2025/26
© IMAGO - Denzel Dumfries, Inter, 2025/26

“Inter also asked Liverpool about Curtis Jones. Tottenham were very aggressive on Curtis Jones at the beginning of the transfer window before signing Conor Gallagher,” Romano added.

“Inter have asked for Curtis Jones on a loan with an option to buy worth €40 million, with a paid loan fee and salary covered. Inter want the player, but Liverpool have not given any green light at this stage.

“This deal would only be possible if Davide Frattesi leaves Inter. Inter have an agreement in place with Nottingham Forest for Frattesi on a loan with option to buy, but the decision is now with the player. At the moment, there is still no answer.

“So it is a domino situation, but I can guarantee that Liverpool have not made any bid for Dumfries and are not negotiating for him.”

Current ETV
Player image Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones

M, DM (C)

Liverpool logo

Liverpool

Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones

M, DM (C)

Liverpool

Liverpool

€49M

ETV Range

€44.1M - €53.9M

Givairo Read injury update

“Many questions are coming about Givairo Read. Liverpool are informed on the player but are not in conversations because of his injury, which is more serious and longer than Dumfries’ situation,” Romano said.

“Because of this, Liverpool did not even inquire. Bayern and Manchester City remain interested in Read for the summer.”

Jean-Philippe Mateta and AC Milan talks

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is closing in on a move that he has been craving for weeks.

Romano confirmed: “Jean-Philippe Mateta wants to go to AC Milan. The agreement between the player and Milan on personal terms is done, with a long-term contract worth €3.5m net per season.

“Mateta has informed Oliver Glasner and the club that his priority is AC Milan, despite interest from English clubs.

“The deal between Milan and Crystal Palace is agreed for the summer at €30 million, but Milan are pushing to sign the player immediately by offering a higher fee. Talks are ongoing and progressing well.”

Current ETV
Player image Jean-Philippe Mateta
Jean-Philippe Mateta

F (C)

C. Palace logo

C. Palace

Jean-Philippe Mateta
Jean-Philippe Mateta

F (C)

C. Palace

C. Palace

€37.9M

ETV Range

€34.1M - €41.7M

Endrick future and Chelsea rumours

Romano commented on the claims that Real Madrid striker Endrick has become a transfer target for Chelsea.

“There have been rumours from Brazil linking Endrick with Chelsea for the summer, but at this stage I am not aware of anything concrete,” he said.

“Chelsea wanted Endrick before his move to Real Madrid from Palmeiras, but right now he is fully focused on his loan at Olympique Lyon, trying to score goals, target the World Cup, and then return to Real Madrid in the summer.”

Endrick celebrates scoring a hat-trick for Lyon against Metz in Ligue 1
© IMAGO - Endrick celebrates scoring a hat-trick for Lyon against Metz in Ligue 1

Chelsea defenders: Mamadou Sarr and Jeremie Jacquet

Romano has hinted that there could be central defensive movement at Chelsea before the end of the transfer window on 2 February.

“Chelsea are discussing internally the possibility of recalling Mamadou Sarr, depending on whether they can find a solution for Aaron Anselmino. At the moment, this is only an internal discussion and no formal step has been taken,” Romano said.

“On Jeremie Jacquet, the main update is that Bayern are now a very unlikely option because the player wants to move to the Premier League.

“Chelsea are pushing strongly, but Liverpool are also involved. Rennes want to sell the player now but allow him to leave in the summer, not immediately. This is a very firm position from the club.

“Rennes do not need money urgently after selling an 18-year-old striker to Al-Hilal for €30m plus add-ons, which is why the situation remains open.

“There is strong Premier League movement around Jeremie Jacquet, with Chelsea and Liverpool both active, and the next hours could be very busy.”

Compared
Player image Mamadou Sarr
Mamadou Sarr

D (C)

Strasbourg logo

Strasbourg

Mamadou Sarr
Mamadou Sarr

D (C)

Strasbourg

Strasbourg

VS

Player image Jérémy Jacquet
Jérémy Jacquet

D (CR)

Rennes logo

Rennes

Jérémy Jacquet
Jérémy Jacquet

D (CR)

Rennes

Rennes

€27.4M

ETV

€17.8M

€24.7M - €30.1M ETV Range €16M - €19.6M
20 years old (29 Aug, 2005) Age 20 years old (13 Jul, 2005)
France France
Nationality
France France

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