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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Klopp to Real Madrid, Man Utd latest, Chelsea plans
Robin Bairner
- 16 Jan 2026 06:50 GMT
- 5 min read
News
Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid dominate Fabrizio Romano’s latest transfer briefing, with updates on managers, midfield targets and January movement.
Real Madrid, Arbeloa and Jurgen Klopp
A defeat in the Copa del Rey to second-tier strugglers Albacete has not changed Real Madrid’s long-term thinking, while Fabrizio Romano clarifies where Jurgen Klopp, Red Bull’s head of global football, fits into their planning.
He told his YouTube channel: “Real Madrid lost their first game with Alvaro Arbeloa as manager, being eliminated from the Copa del Rey against Albacete, but this does not change anything about his future. It was his first game and he had only one training session, so it cannot be judged as part of an Arbeloa era.
“Arbeloa will have his opportunity in the Champions League and La Liga, and those performances will define his chances of continuing beyond this season. At the same time, Real Madrid will still be planning for summer 2026 in case they decide to make a change.
“On Jurgen Klopp, there are people inside Real Madrid who really appreciate him, and I can confirm that he has supporters within the club. However, this must start from Klopp himself. Real Madrid will not approach him asking if he wants to return to coaching.
“If Klopp decides publicly that he wants to return, then he could be considered in the summer, but only if Arbeloa does not stay. For now, Klopp remains focused on his role with Red Bull and there is nothing advanced with Real Madrid.”
Manchester United latest: Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee
Interest in Man Utd players remains, but Romano says the club are in no rush to sanction exits before the summer.
“At the moment the situation around Kobbie Mainoo is very quiet. Napoli are still interested, but there is no green light from Manchester United for his departure, and that position has only strengthened since Ruben Amorim left the club,” Romano said.
“On Joshua Zirkzee, Roma have been trying for two months, starting in November and continuing through December and January, but there is still no approval from Manchester United. Roma would move immediately if they received the call, but for now there is no breakthrough.
“Manchester United do not exclude keeping the same squad until the summer, when they will have a permanent manager and can plan changes properly. For now, everything is calm.”
Current ETV
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
ETV Range
€32.3M - €39.4M
Chelsea, Facundo Buonanotte and centre-back plans
Romano reports that an immediate Chelsea exit will take place and explains why January defensive recruitment remains under discussion.
“Facundo Buonanotte is leaving Chelsea immediately,” he confirmed. “He joined in the final days of the summer window and is now returning to Brighton, before going on loan to Leeds United in a straight deal with no buy option.
“This is a ‘here we go’ deal and it was a surprise move that I revealed exclusively today. Buonanotte is ready for this opportunity at Leeds.
“Inside Chelsea, there have been discussions with new head coach Liam Rosenior about possibly signing another centre-back in January. In the summer, Chelsea decided to stay with their existing squad, but the option to reinforce now has been assessed.
“This does not change anything for Josh Acheampong. Chelsea trust him and have no intention of selling him, despite ongoing rumours.”
Current ETV
Facundo Buonanotte
AM (C), M (CR)
Leeds Utd
Facundo Buonanotte
AM (C), M (CR)
Leeds Utd
ETV Range
€24.9M - €30.4M
Barcelona secure teenage talent Ebrima Tunkara
Romano says Barcelona have fended off interest from across Europe to tie down one of their brightest prospects.
“Ebrima Tunkara is a very talented 15-year-old who made his debut for Barcelona B this week. He is considered one of the most exciting prospects from La Masia,” he said.
“My information is that Tunkara will sign a new contract with Barcelona next week. Despite interest from clubs in England and Germany, Barcelona have reached a full agreement with his agents, his family and the player.
“It is done and agreed. Today it might not sound like headline news, but in the future this will be seen as a significant moment.”
Lucas Paqueta makes West Ham transfer request
Talks are progressing after the Brazil midfielder made his position clear to West Ham.
“Lucas Paqueta has already agreed personal terms with Flamengo, as I reported days ago. Last night he informed West Ham, together with his agent, that he wants to leave and return to Brazil,” Romano said.
“Flamengo and West Ham are now negotiating. West Ham are no longer closing the door to this possibility, but everything depends on the financial proposal.
“Talks will continue in the coming days between Flamengo director Jose Boto and West Ham in an attempt to reach an agreement.”
Current ETV
Lucas Paquetá
AM, M (C)
West Ham
Lucas Paquetá
AM, M (C)
West Ham
ETV Range
€56.2M - €68.7M
N’Golo Kante excited to make Fenerbahce move
N’Golo Kante could soon be back in European football. Romano says a move is possible for the World Cup winner, but warns it will not be quick.
“The situation around N’Golo Kante is similar to Paqueta in terms of personal terms. Fenerbahce are very close to an agreement with the player, and Kante is excited about the move,” he said.
“What is missing is an agreement with Al-Ittihad. The negotiation over the transfer fee is ongoing and will continue in the next days.
“This was never a matter of 24 or 48 hours, despite some reports suggesting that. Al-Ittihad want their money, while Fenerbahce are trying to negotiate for a player who is out of contract.
“Kante wants the move and is ready, but the final decision depends on the clubs reaching a fee agreement.”
Current ETV
N'Golo Kanté
DM, M (C)
Al-Ittihad
N'Golo Kanté
DM, M (C)
Al-Ittihad
ETV Range
€1.5M - €2.2M
Related stories:
Premier League January transfers 2026: All the Done Deals
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Southgate to Man Utd, Tonali’s future, Dembele contract talks
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