Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Salah BATTLE, Pep Guardiola EXIT, Real Madrid PLANS

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 11 Feb 2026 06:52 GMT
  • 6 min read
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News, Mohamed Salah, Pep Guardiola
© IMAGO

Several major stories are already developing ahead of the summer window, with Real Madrid’s plans, Pep Guardiola’s future and fresh Saudi interest in Mohamed Salah all under discussion.

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Real Madrid profit from Alex Jimenez transfer

Bournemouth have completed the signing of Alex Jimenez from AC Milan, and this is set to fund summer spending at Real Madrid.

Fabrizio Romano explained on his YouTube channel: “Real Madrid are set to receive significant funds after Alex Jimenez completed a permanent move to Bournemouth from AC Milan.

“The deal became mandatory after appearance conditions were met, activating a package worth €19 million plus €5 million in add-ons.

“Real Madrid held a 50 percent sell-on clause, meaning the fee will be split evenly between Madrid and Milan.

Current ETV
Player image Álex Jiménez
Álex Jiménez

D (RL), M (R)

B

B'mouth

Álex Jiménez
Álex Jiménez

D (RL), M (R)

B

B'mouth

€22.7M

ETV Range

€20.5M - €25M

“Jimenez has publicly stated that his dream is to return to Real Madrid one day, having come through the academy, but at this stage there are no concrete plans from the club to bring him back.

“Real Madrid are proud of the development of their academy talents around Europe and continue to monitor his progress, but for now the full focus is on his project at Bournemouth.”

Real Madrid never concrete on Marc Guehi

Meanwhile, the truth behind Real Madrid’s supposed interest in one top player has emerged.

Romano explained: “There have been reports suggesting Real Madrid had the opportunity to sign Marc Guehi before his move to Manchester City, but my understanding is that they were never seriously in the race.

Marc Guehi: Never an option for Real Madrid
© IMAGO - Marc Guehi: Never an option for Real Madrid

“There were meetings and exploratory contacts for both Guehi and other defensive options, but no official proposal and no advanced negotiations.

“The three clubs genuinely working on Guehi were Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern, with Bayern pushing strongly behind the scenes and Liverpool exploring different structures.

“Manchester City ultimately decided to meet the player’s expectations in terms of contract and project, paying more than £20m to Crystal Palace and closing the deal.”

Compared
Player image Marc Guéhi
Marc Guéhi

D (CL)

Man City logo

Man City

Marc Guéhi
Marc Guéhi

D (CL)

Man City

Man City

VS

Player image Nico Paz
Nico Paz

AM, M (C)

Como logo

Como

Nico Paz
Nico Paz

AM, M (C)

Como

Como

€47.9M

ETV

€76.7M

€43.1M - €52.7M ETV Range €69M - €84.3M
25 years old (13 Jul, 2000) Age 21 years old (08 Sep, 2004)
England England
Nationality
Argentina Argentina

Nico Paz firmly in Real Madrid future plans

Romano did detail the latest on Nico Paz – who is expected to move to the Spanish capital from Como in the summer.

“One name I keep mentioning is Nico Paz, because Real Madrid maintain full control thanks to their buy-back clause from Como,” Romano added.

“The player is doing very well in Italy and Real Madrid are monitoring every game closely, very happy with his development.

“There was never a real possibility of a January return. Como were not prepared to lose him mid-season and the player wanted stability ahead of the World Cup.

“In the summer, however, it will be a different conversation because Real Madrid consider Nico Paz an important part of their future project.”

Pep Guardiola future at Manchester City remains open

A huge change is brewing at Manchester City, where long-time manager Pep Guardiola could leave in the summer, one year before the end of his contract.

“There are increasing questions about the future of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, and I can confirm there is a genuine possibility he could leave at the end of the season,” Romano said.

“It is not decided, it has not been communicated, and nothing is guaranteed, but people involved in the situation recognise that the option exists.

“The outcome of the Premier League and Champions League campaigns will be important factors in Pep’s final decision.

“Manchester City are internally assessing potential candidates in case Pep decides to move on, but they have not received any official indication from him.”

Pep Guardiola: Destined to leave Man City in the summer?
© IMAGO - Pep Guardiola: Destined to leave Man City in the summer?

Enzo Maresca a candidate if Guardiola departs

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is seen as a candidate to replace Guardiola, as Romano explained:

“One name consistently appreciated at Manchester City is Enzo Maresca.

“Maresca knows the club, has previously worked there, has Premier League experience and is regarded as a talented young coach.

“He would only become a concrete option if Guardiola leaves, but he is a profile City respect and have considered for some time.”

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca
© IMAGO - Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca

Saudi clubs preparing new move for Mohamed Salah

Romano has confirmed that Liverpool face a fresh battle to retain Mohamed Salah.

“Saudi clubs will return for Mohamed Salah in the summer transfer window,” Romano said.

Al-Ittihad could be one of the clubs involved, especially after losing major stars, and there may also be interest from other Saudi sides.

“There is also a possibility that an MLS club could explore the situation.

“In January nothing materialised in terms of official proposals, so Salah remained at Liverpool, but the summer is expected to be different with fresh conversations anticipated.

“At this stage there is confirmed interest from Saudi Arabia, including Al-Ittihad, and the situation will develop in the coming months as clubs prepare for what could be a significant summer around Mohamed Salah.”

Current ETV
Player image Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah

F, M (R)

Liverpool logo

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah

F, M (R)

Liverpool

Liverpool

€49M

ETV Range

€44.1M - €53.9M

Related stories:

Salah leaves Liverpool: €200m Saudi transfer a matter of time as talks start

Mo Salah set to ANGER Cristiano Ronaldo as transfer decision made

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