-
News
- 40 minutes ago
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Rashford BOMB, Man Utd DECISION, Newcastle BLOW
Robin Bairner
- 11 Jan 2026 08:01 GMT
- 5 min read
News
Fabrizio Romano delivers a busy round of transfer updates, including a Premier League here we go, Manchester United’s interim manager decision, major Barcelona loan and contract plans, and growing interest in one of Europe’s most sought-after teenage midfielders.
Tottenham complete Sousa deal from Santos
Tottenham have finalised their next defensive signing as they move quickly to secure a new left-back.
“Tottenham have completed the deal for Souza, the Brazilian left-back from Santos, with the agreement now done and sealed between the two clubs,” Romano said.
“The deal is a here we go. Tottenham and Santos reached a verbal agreement last night, with paperwork now being completed. The fee is 15 million euros guaranteed, with payment terms clarified today.
“Sousa will travel on Sunday and will be in London next week for medical tests and contract signing. He will become the new left-back for Thomas Frank with immediate effect.
“He was on the shortlist of several clubs in Italy and Portugal, but Tottenham decided to be fast and decisive, and that made the difference.”
Manchester United close in on interim manager decision
Manchester United are preparing to name their interim head coach as talks continue with multiple candidates.
“Manchester United have already had direct meetings with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick,” Romano explained.
“The club want to announce their interim manager by next week, because the Manchester derby against Manchester City is coming and they want clarity before that game.
“This interim role is separate from the long-term decision, because Manchester United will appoint a permanent manager in the summer and will take time for that process.
“Solskjaer remains ready to take the job and Carrick is also in conversation. Manchester United are now very close to making their final decision.”
Barcelona signal intention to keep Marcus Rashford
Barcelona have already communicated their desire to extend Marcus Rashford’s stay beyond his current loan.
“In the last 24 hours, Barcelona have told Marcus Rashford’s camp that they would love to continue with him beyond this season,” Romano said.
“Barcelona are very happy with him in terms of performances, versatility and professionalism. Rashford has been fantastic, always serious, always professional, and a very good presence in the dressing room.
“The buy option is €30 million, and it is not mandatory. Barcelona will not activate it now, but internally the intention to keep Rashford is very clear.
“Financial discussions will come later, but Manchester United know that Barcelona are genuinely interested.”
Barcelona contract talks and potential January loan
Barcelona are working on internal squad planning involving both contract renewals and potential loan moves.
“Barcelona want to extend Andreas Christensen’s contract for one more season,” Romano explained.
“Negotiations are ongoing and not done yet, but it is the club’s intention to reach an agreement.
“There is also internal discussion about Marc Bernal potentially leaving on loan in January. After returning from a serious injury, a loan with regular minutes could help him return to his best level.”
Current ETV
Andreas Christensen
D, M, DM (C)
Barcelona
Andreas Christensen
D, M, DM (C)
Barcelona
ETV Range
€20.6M - €25.2M
Joao Cancelo set for Barcelona return
Joao Cancelo is set to become Barcelona’s first signing of the new year.
“Joao Cancelo can be considered a new Barcelona player,” Romano said.
“He is about to arrive for medical tests and contract signing on a loan deal from Al-Hilal. Everything is set and everything is done.
“Barcelona will cover €4 million of his salary as part of the loan agreement.”
Current ETV
João Cancelo
D (RL)
Al-Hilal
João Cancelo
D (RL)
Al-Hilal
ETV Range
€9.7M - €11.8M
Ronny Bardghji registered as Barcelona first-team player
Barcelona have formally promoted one of their smartest recent signings.
“Barcelona have registered Ronny Bardghji as a first-team player,”
Romano explained.
“He was signed from Copenhagen for just 2.5 million euros and is now part of the senior squad, wearing number 19.”
“This was a great idea by Deco and the scouting department, and Bardghji is now an important part of the project.”
Kees Smit attracting elite European interest
One of Europe’s most highly rated teenage midfielders is expected to be at the centre of a major transfer battle, with Newcastle told they will need to break AZ’s club record to get a deal over the line.
“Kees Smit is one of the big names to watch for 2026,” Romano said.
“Jorge Mendes has been working on his future since December. Newcastle were prepared to pay big money in January, but nothing is advanced yet on the player side.
Current ETV
Kees Smit
M, DM (C)
AZ
Kees Smit
M, DM (C)
AZ
ETV Range
€14.6M - €24.3M
“AZ Alkmaar want more than the reported €45 or 50 million. My feeling is that the price will be over €60 million.
“Real Madrid and top Premier League clubs are following him closely. There will be a big battle, and this deal is expected to happen in the summer, not now.
“He is 19 years old and one of the most talented midfielders in Europe. One to follow for sure.”
Related stories:
Premier League January transfers 2026: All the Done Deals
EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd plot Cole Palmer swoop with Chelsea willing to listen to offers
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
