Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd GO BIG, Chelsea POSSIBILITIES, Liverpool UPDATE

Robin Bairner

1 Feb 2026 08:00 GMT
7 min read

Fabrizio Romano, transfer news, Jeremy Jacquet, Leon Goretzka — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has delivered the latest transfer news, with Manchester United’s planning a huge move, Chelsea still active and what’s happening at Liverpool.

Article continues under the video

Fenerbahce transfer talks: N’Golo Kante and Ademola Lookman

Big moves are taking place in Turkey, where Fenerbahce are set to add two big names to their squad.

“Fenerbahce are continuing to work on a deal for N’Golo Kante with Al-Ittihad. Negotiations are ongoing as the club try to find a solution, including the possibility of player inclusion in the deal,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“Fenerbahce already have an agreement in place with the French midfielder, but discussions are still ongoing on the club side as they try to reach full agreement.

“At the same time, Fenerbahce want to add at least one more attacking player and Ademola Lookman remains a key target. There is an agreement on the fee with Atalanta at €40m, structured as €35m plus €5m in add-ons.

Current ETV

Ademola Lookman

F, AM (C)

Atalanta

Ademola Lookman

F, AM (C)

Atalanta

ETV Range

€31.3M - €38.3M

“However, there is still no agreement on payment terms and bank guarantees, and because of this the deal is currently in danger. Talks are continuing to see whether Fenerbahce and Atalanta can find a solution.

“Fenerbahce already have an alternative option almost completed. A deal is agreed for Sidiki Cherif, the striker from Angers.

“The package is worth €22 million, structured as a loan with an obligation to buy plus €3 million in add-ons. The deal is ready and the player could join Fenerbahce very soon.”

Current ETV

Sidiki Chérif

F (C)

Angers

Sidiki Chérif

F (C)

Angers

ETV Range

€5M - €6.7M

Karim Benzema situation at Al-Ittihad

Back in the Saudi Pro League, Romano said there is no prospect of Benzema joining Kante in sealing a January departure.

“Many questions are coming about whether Karim Benzema could leave Al-Ittihad during this January transfer window. At the moment, this looks really unlikely,” he said.

“For the summer, it is a different story and I would be very careful. Al-Ittihad have offered Benzema a new contract proposal that only covers image rights, without a salary, and this is something the player considers unacceptable.

“This situation explains why Benzema was not included in the squad for the last game and asked not to be involved in the next one. There is clear tension between the player and the club.

“At the moment, the most likely scenario is that Benzema stays at Al-Ittihad until the end of the season. If the club meet his conditions, he could sign a new deal. Otherwise, he would leave as a free agent with many options in Europe and the MLS.

“For this January window, a return to Europe looks very difficult due to timing, but the situation remains tense and should continue to be monitored.”

Current ETV

Karim Benzema

F (C)

Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema

F (C)

Al-Ittihad

ETV Range

€2.5M - €3.7M

Stefan Ortega to Nottingham Forest

Man City continue to be one of the most active big clubs in the market, with another player set to leave Pep Guardiola’s side.

“One here we go to confirm involves Stefan Ortega. The goalkeeper is leaving Manchester City and joining Nottingham Forest on a permanent transfer,” Romano confirmed.

“It will be a short-term contract, with Ortega planning to reassess his future again in the summer, but he is set to spend at least the next six months at Nottingham Forest. The deal is agreed.”

Current ETV

Stefan Ortega

Man City

Stefan Ortega

Man City

ETV Range

€5.1M - €7M

Liverpool update: Denzel Dumfries and Curtis Jones

Liverpool continue to be linked with a deal or two late in the window.

Romano said: “There have been many questions from Liverpool fans about Denzel Dumfries and Curtis Jones, especially following reports from Italy.

“Liverpool and Inter did speak on Friday. During that conversation, Liverpool asked about Dumfries only in the context of a potential loan.

“There was no bid, no negotiation and no attempt to advance a permanent transfer. Dumfries is highly appreciated but he is injured, and Inter are not open to a loan deal under any circumstances.

“This is why the Dumfries story is not concrete and not advanced at all.

“Inter also asked about Curtis Jones and had an agreement almost ready on personal terms, including discussions with his agency.

“The issue is that Jones has a contract at Liverpool until 2027, and Liverpool will not allow him to leave on loan unless he signs a new contract first.

“At the moment, that stage has not been reached, so Liverpool are not approving his exit in this window.

“My feeling is that if nothing happens now, the situation could become important in the summer, because the contract issue will need to be resolved. Otherwise, Curtis Jones could realistically leave in 2026.”

Current ETV

Curtis Jones

M, DM (C)

Liverpool

Curtis Jones

M, DM (C)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€44.1M - €53.9M

Manchester United midfield plans and Leon Goretzka

Romano has delivered an update on Manchester United’s midfield transfer plans.

“There are many questions about Leon Goretzka. He is expected to leave Bayern Munich as a free agent in the summer and will have plenty of options,” he said.

“My understanding is that Manchester United plan to go very big in midfield in the summer transfer window. Casemiro is leaving, and United could sign one or even two midfielders.

“At the moment, I am not aware of anything advanced between United and Goretzka. Atletico Madrid showed interest in January and could return, while clubs from England, Italy and Germany are also monitoring the situation.

“Goretzka will take his time and decide at the end of the season. United, meanwhile, are focusing on important midfield options, likely younger profiles, and will make significant moves in that area.”

Current ETV

Leon Goretzka

M, DM (C)

Bayern

Leon Goretzka

M, DM (C)

Bayern

ETV Range

€12.1M - €14.8M

Chelsea defenders: Axel Disasi, Mamadou Sarr and Jeremy Jacquet

Chelsea are keeping their options open when it comes to Liam Rosenior’s defence – with talks for Jeremie Jacquet ongoing.

“For Axel Disasi, there are two possibilities on the table. One is a loan move to West Ham, who are waiting to see how the situation develops,” Romano said.

“The other option is AC Milan. Disasi is aware of Milan’s interest and would prioritise that move if Milan decide to proceed. If they do not, West Ham remains an option.

“Chelsea are also seriously considering recalling Mamadou Sarr. Internal discussions are ongoing about bringing the defender back to the club.

“Finally, on Jeremy Jacquet, this is a story that should not be underestimated. Chelsea remain very active, Liverpool are still involved, and Bayern Munich now look unlikely because the player favours a move to the Premier League.

“This could be a now-or-never situation ahead of the summer. Chelsea want the deal done quickly, while Rennes want to sell now but allow the player to leave in the summer rather than immediately.

“Liverpool remain open to a summer deal, while Chelsea continue to push through the player’s camp. This race is very much ongoing.”

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Read more about: La Liga Serie A Bundesliga Süper Lig Ligue 1 Premier League Pro League Al-Ittihad Angers Atalanta Atlético Madrid Bayern Chelsea Fenerbahce Liverpool Man City Man Utd Milan N. Forest Rennes West Ham Ademola Lookman Axel Disasi Curtis Jones Denzel Dumfries Jérémy Jacquet Karim Benzema Leon Goretzka N'Golo Kanté Sidiki Cherif Stefan Ortega