Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Lewandowski decision, Rashford deal and Maresca to City?

Robin Bairner

2 Apr 2026 06:39 BST
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano Transfer News, Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford — © IMAGO

Football transfer news insider Fabrizio Romano has delivered updates on Barcelona and Marcus Rashford as well as delivering the latest on Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City.

Article continues under the video

Truth behind Lewandowski’s goodbye message and Barcelona future

Robert Lewandowski was left in tears on Tuesday as Poland were knocked out of World Cup qualifying, and Romano has revealed what the incident says about the striker’s future at Barcelona.

“Lewandowski was heartbroken, of course. He even posted ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ on social media after the match, and he said he needs some time to decide on his future with Poland. But it’s not only about Poland, because he will also have to make a decision on the club side,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“As I told you in recent days, Barcelona are prepared to offer Robert Lewandowski a new contract for one more season. One year, but on different terms, not on his current salary. So it would be a reduced deal, with different numbers in terms of wages. Barcelona are open to keeping him for another year, but now it depends on Lewandowski.

“As I already said at the beginning of March, the idea from Lewandowski’s camp, with Pini Zahavi, is to consider all the best options for the player. That means offers from Italy, from MLS, from Saudi Arabia, and also this new contract from Barcelona. Then Lewandowski will decide in the next weeks. It will be about family, sporting project, feeling, and also the financial side. So that’s the situation for Robert Lewandowski.”

Current ETV

Robert Lewandowski

F (C)

Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski

F (C)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€8.4M - €11.4M

Rashford and Barcelona: Romano rubbishes contract clause rumours

Claims that Marcus Rashford’s purchase clause in his loan deal with Barcelona from Manchester United have been rejected by Romano.

“The report saying the €30 million buy option from Manchester United to Barcelona expired yesterday, at the end of March, is not what my sources are saying,” he explained.

“Sources at both clubs suggest that the €30 million option is still valid until the end of the current season. So if Barcelona want to pay that amount tomorrow, they can still sign Marcus Rashford.

“Now it is up to Barcelona to decide. Behind the scenes, they already have an agreement with Rashford on personal terms, with the player, his camp, and his brother handling things. But Barcelona want to restructure the deal with Manchester United. Why? Because financially, it is going to be a big summer for Barca.

“They have several important targets. For example, at centre-back, there is Alessandro Bastoni. Barcelona want him, they are in contact with his camp, and discussions on salary and personal terms have already started. But club-to-club talks have not begun yet, and Inter are not communicating a price. They only make clear that €50 million will not be enough.

“Then there is the striker situation. We mentioned Lewandowski. We know that for Barcelona, and for president Joan Laporta, Julian Alvarez remains a dream target. But Atletico Madrid absolutely do not want to sell him this summer. So at the moment, Atletico are not making it easy for anyone.

“That is why Barcelona would prefer to restructure the Rashford deal rather than pay the full €30 million. Maybe another loan, maybe a different formula. The message from Manchester United is simple: they want the money. They do not want another loan. So that is the gap between the two clubs at the moment.

“Rashford, meanwhile, is very happy at Barcelona. He is appreciated a lot by Hansi Flick, not just for goals and assists, but for his versatility and professionalism. He has never caused any problems when benched or subbed off, and that is very much appreciated by the coach. But again, the key point is the financial agreement.”

Current ETV

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€39.2M - €65.3M

Maresca favourite to replace Guardiola at Man City

Speculation that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of the season was not totally rejected by Romano, who confirmed that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca remains favourite for that role if it becomes vacant.

“I said it in January, I said it in February, I said it in March, and I am saying it again today. The manager that Manchester City internally believe is the ideal candidate to take over whenever Pep Guardiola decides to leave is Enzo Maresca,” Romano said.

“Whether that happens this summer or in summer 2027, Pep has one more year left on his contract, so it is Pep who decides. City are not forcing anything. They are very happy with Guardiola. If Pep wants to leave, the name they have in mind is Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea and Leicester manager. So I can guarantee that.

© IMAGO - Enzo Maresca: Favourite to replace Pep Guardiola at Man City

“Other reports have mentioned other managers, but my information is Maresca. He was never in the running for the Manchester United job in January, and he was never in the running for the Tottenham job either. City know about the appreciation, and that is the name they continue to keep in mind.

“Of course, until something is signed and agreed, we have to wait and see. Pep is calm, relaxed, and in full control of the situation. But the appreciation for Maresca from Manchester City is absolutely confirmed.”

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:

•Google Play

•App Store