Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Solskjaer TALKS to Man Utd, Man City SIGNING, Barca deal CLOSE

Robin Bairner

7 Jan 2026 06:57 GMT
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano, transfer news, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Antoine Semenyo — © IMAGO

Manchester United’s interim manager search accelerates as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer holds talks, while Manchester City finalise Antoine Semenyo, Barcelona close in on Joao Cancelo, and key United player decisions loom.

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Chelsea and Strasbourg coaching changes confirmed

Chelsea and Strasbourg have finalised key head coach appointments following weeks of negotiations.

“Chelsea have officially confirmed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a long-term contract running until 2032,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“Following Rosenior’s move, Strasbourg have reached an agreement with Gary O’Neill. He had interest from Premier League clubs, but chose Strasbourg after being presented with the opportunity to work on an ambitious project under BlueCo and compete in European football.

“O’Neill has accepted and is now the new head coach of Strasbourg, meaning several key managerial positions are now covered.”

© IMAGO - Liam Rosenior is Chelsea's new manager

Erik ten Hag takes new technical director role

Erik ten Hag has agreed to a new off-pitch role in his home country.

Romano revealed: “Erik ten Hag has signed as the new technical director of FC Twente in the Netherlands.

“He will begin work on 1 February 2026 and will be responsible for sporting strategy, recruitment decisions and long-term planning, including the 2026-27 summer transfer window.

“This is a new chapter for Ten Hag after Ajax, Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, moving into a technical director role.”

© IMAGO - Former Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag

Solskjaer emerges as leading Manchester United candidate

Manchester United are progressing talks over a short-term managerial solution following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

“After the situation with Ruben Amorim, the name I mentioned remains the same. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,” Romano said.

“Contacts have taken place between Solskjaer, his representatives and Manchester United. The discussions are ongoing and Solskjaer is understood to be the leading candidate to become interim manager until the end of the season.

“Solskjaer has made it clear there are no issues regarding contract length, salary or timing. His message to the club is simple. He wants to help Manchester United.

“Everything is agreed on his side. Now it is up to Manchester United to decide whether to proceed.”

© IMAGO - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Back at the wheel at Old Trafford?

Manchester United are also considering alternative internal and former-player options.

Romano added: “Other names discussed internally include Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy, both of whom know the club very well.

“At the moment, however, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains the favourite.

“Darren Fletcher will be on the touchline for upcoming fixtures, with Jonny Evans also returning to the club to assist the backroom staff during this difficult period.”

Manchester United player decisions: Mainoo and Zirkzee

The managerial change at Old Trafford is impacting several squad decisions.

“On Kobbie Mainoo, Napoli have been interested in recent months, but internally Manchester United now feel they want to trust the player for the second half of the season,” Romano said.

“The relationship with Amorim was not ideal, and a loan was possible, but with a new manager arriving, the feeling is that Mainoo could receive more opportunities.

Compared

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

VS

Kobbie Mainoo

M, DM (C)

Man Utd

Kobbie Mainoo

M, DM (C)

Man Utd

€36M	ETV	€60.9M
€32.4M - €39.6M	ETV Range	€54.8M - €67M
24 years old (22 May, 2001)	Age	20 years old (19 Apr, 2005)
Netherlands	Nationality	England

“For Joshua Zirkzee, Roma remain very interested and their director has confirmed it.

“The player is open to the move, but the final decision will be made by the new manager together with the club.

“These two cases will be directly impacted by the managerial change, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer currently the leading candidate.”

Antoine Semenyo set for Manchester City

Manchester City are closing in on a major attacking addition.

“Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City is done. The medical has been booked and everything is ready,” Romano said.

“I told you there were no issues and no doubts. Semenyo will play for Manchester City and the here we go is coming.

“He will complete the move after playing his final game for Bournemouth, and then he will start working under Pep Guardiola.”

Current ETV

Antoine Semenyo

M (RL)

B'mouth

Antoine Semenyo

M (RL)

B'mouth

ETV Range

€46.2M - €56.5M

Manchester City injury issues and centre-back search

Defensive injuries have forced Manchester City into the market.

Romano said of the situation: “Josko Gvardiol will be out for a few months and Ruben Dias has a hamstring injury expected to keep him out for six weeks.

“City have recalled Max Allain from his loan at Watford, but they also want to sign a centre-back in January.

“Marc Guehi is a concrete target. There is still no official bid to Crystal Palace, but City want to try.

“Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also involved, especially with the possibility of a future free transfer, so this is one to watch.”