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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Bruno Fernandes TRUTH, Rodri UPDATE, Real Madrid MISSION
Cameron Smith
- 3 Mar 2026 09:51 GMT
- 6 min read
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Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories ahead of this summer, including the latest on Bruno Fernandes, Rodri and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte update
Bruno Fernandes has less than 18 months remaining on his current contract at Manchester United, but reports have suggested that he could be set to remain at Old Trafford this summer.
In his latest YouTube video, Romano admitted: “Over the last three years, since summer 2023, Bruno has had the opportunity every single summer to move to the Saudi Pro League if he wished.
“He received serious proposals, including very big offers last summer from Al-Hilal, who were prepared to put significant money on the table. Bruno decided to stay. He chose to continue at Man Utd.
"Now the feeling around Bruno is very positive. Man Utd are performing well and the situation looks completely different. In the summer, the club will continue to invest. If you ask me whether I expect Saudi clubs to return for Bruno, my answer is yes. The top Saudi clubs remain interested because he has always been a priority target. When they identify a player as a key objective, that interest does not disappear.”
Current ETV
Bruno Fernandes
AM, M, DM (C)
Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes
AM, M, DM (C)
Man Utd
ETV Range
€37.4M - €45.7M
Romano continued: “Financially, reaching an agreement with Man Utd would not be a problem. The crucial decision would be on the player’s side.
“It is not about salary. If Bruno had wanted a higher wage, he already had the opportunity to earn significantly more than he does at Man Utd. He stayed because he wants to win at the club, because he wants to help the club and because, as captain, he feels he can do something important. So I expect Saudi interest again, but once more it will be Bruno who decides and Man Utd hope he stays.
“Over the weekend he broke records, becoming the third player in the club’s history after Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to reach more than 100 goals and 100 assists in a Man Utd shirt. He is performing fantastically, but the final decision will be his.”
However, Romano then admitted: “The situation of Manuel Ugarte is different. He could leave at the end of the season. With Casemiro expected to depart on a free transfer, there is already movement around Ugarte, with clubs in Italy considering a move.
“In January, Galatasaray SK showed interest, but nothing concrete developed and all parties decided not to proceed. In the summer, Ugarte could assess his options and potentially leave. So the situations of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are completely different, and Man Utd have very different feelings regarding the two players.”
Real Madrid tracking Nico Schlotterbeck
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck is wanted by several top clubs this summer and Romano has confirmed that Real Madrid have entered the race for his signature.
“He [Schlotterbeck] is under contract until 2027, so decisions will be required soon. There have been many questions about Real Madrid and he is certainly a player they are following closely.
“Real Madrid scouts have been on a mission to track his progress in recent matches, including the game between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich last weekend, where he scored.
“This is not scouting in the sense of discovering an unknown player; it is about analysing his development, his improvement and how he performs under pressure in big games. Real Madrid are monitoring him.
“He is not the only name on their shortlist, but they are keeping a close eye on the situation, including the financial aspects of any potential summer deal and whether he signs a new contract at Dortmund. For now, it remains a monitored situation.”
Will Rodri leave Man City?
Real Madrid have also been tipped to pursue a deal for Manchester City superstar Rodri, who could be set to leave the Etihad Stadium ahead of next season.
“He [Rodri] is also under contract until 2027, in this case with Man City,” Romano revealed.
“In the coming months he will face an important decision. Does he stay at Man City and consider signing a new deal, or does he evaluate the possibility of a new chapter? From what I understand, this is not primarily a financial decision. It is also about family and personal considerations, including whether he wants to remain in Manchester or seek a different experience.
“There are people within Real Madrid who appreciate him greatly, so he could be an option for them in the summer. However, before any negotiation can take place, Rodri must decide whether to extend his contract and close the door to an exit, or to move on after winning everything at club level, including the Ballon d’Or, and after dealing with an important injury period.
“The direction of his career at this stage will be entirely his choice, and Real Madrid will follow the situation closely.”
Dusan Vlahovic contract situation
Finally, Romano has confirmed that Juventus want to extend the contract of Dusan Vlahovic, who has been heavily linked with a number of Premier League clubs in recent months.
“He [Vlahovic] is under contract with Juventus until summer 2026 and discussions are ongoing over a potential new deal. But, nothing has been agreed at this stage.
“Juventus have announced a new contract for Weston McKennie, who has been one of their best midfielders this season in terms of performances and goals. The club would also like to extend Vlahovic’s contract.
STATS
Dušan Vlahović
F (C)
Juventus
Dušan Vlahović
F (C)
Juventus
“It now depends on the financial terms. He currently earns around €12 million net per season, which is a very high salary. Several European clubs have made enquiries in recent months, but nothing advanced has developed so far.
“Juventus are speaking with his agent to understand whether there is a possibility to continue together beyond the summer. Financially, a decision will need to be made.
“This will be an interesting situation to follow because while Juventus are trying to extend his contract, there are clubs across Europe interested, and a player of his profile available on a free transfer would represent a major opportunity.”
Football transfer news headlines today
TRANSFER RUMOURS: Darwin Nunez on the move as Arsenal prepare €100m bid
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Guimaraes talks opened as ‘double sacrifice’ made
Chelsea Transfer News Today: Rodrygo bid submitted as Romano confirms decision
Arsenal Transfer News Today: €100m superstar wanted amid unexpected exit threat
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