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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Bouaddi talks, Rashford rumours, Chelsea latest
30 Jul 2026 06:54 BST |
9 min read
News
Fabrizio Romano reveals Manchester City's move for Ayyoub Bouaddi and Geronimo Rulli, provides the latest on Marcus Rashford and Barcelona, and explains Bayern Munich's transfer plans.
Manchester City target Geronimo Rulli as new backup goalkeeper
Manchester City have identified a new backup goalkeeper and are ready to open talks to sign him.
Romano told his YouTube channel: “Manchester City are going to try to sign Geronimo Rulli from Marseille as their new backup goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Current ETV
Gerónimo Rulli
GK
Marseille
Gerónimo Rulli
GK
Marseille
ETV Range
€3.8M - €5.8M
“It is a decision that has been made internally at the club today. Marseille have already been informed of City's interest and negotiations will begin very soon.
“The player is keen on the move and it is a serious possibility. Don't forget James Trafford is about to join Leeds United in a club-record deal. The verbal agreement was reached a few days ago and only the formal steps remain.
“Also, John Stones will arrive in Milan on Thursday to sign for Inter on a two-year contract.
“So there are many movements involving Manchester City, but Geronimo Rulli is the goalkeeper they want. Negotiations are about to start and the player is keen on returning to Manchester City.
“He was already a City player several years ago but was immediately loaned out to Spain and never made a first-team appearance before leaving permanently. Even so, he knows what it means to be part of Manchester City.”
Man City close in on Ayyoub Bouaddi after fresh talks
Manchester City are stepping up their pursuit of one of Europe's brightest young midfielders.
“Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of the best young midfielders in world football and Manchester City are pushing to sign him,” Romano said.
“I've been telling you over the last few weeks that talks were advancing. On Monday I said conversations were progressing and today they have moved forward again.
“In the next few days, and possibly even hours, there will be more direct contacts because Manchester City want to avoid any late hijack from another club.
“They are in direct discussions with Lille president Olivier Letang, who is a very tough negotiator when it comes to selling top players.
“At the same time, Manchester City are making progress with the player and remain very confident.
“Now it is important to understand whether the move will happen this summer or in 2027.
“Manchester City are prepared to spend a huge amount of money. The expectation is a package worth more than €70m-€80m, and it could even be higher depending on how negotiations develop.
“It is not a ‘here we go’ yet, but the deal is moving quickly and in a very positive direction.”
Current ETV
Ayyoub Bouaddi
M, DM (C)
Lille
Ayyoub Bouaddi
M, DM (C)
Lille
ETV Range
€43.5M - €53.2M
Marcus Rashford's stance on Manchester United exit made clear
Romano has clarified the latest speculation surrounding Marcus Rashford's future after reports linked him with Saudi Arabia.
"There have been many rumours over the last 24 hours about Al Nassr trying to sign Marcus Rashford,” he said.
“According to my information, Rashford is not planning to leave Manchester United this summer for that type of destination.
“His priority would only be to leave if a top European club comes forward with a major proposal.
“Any interested club would first need to reach an agreement with Manchester United and then with the player.
“The message from Rashford's camp is very clear: it is either a move to one of Europe's top clubs or he stays at Manchester United.
“So there remains a genuine possibility that he stays unless a major European side comes in.
“As things stand, I am not aware of anything concrete or advanced with Al Nassr.”
Juventus close in on Kerim Alajbegovic after Chelsea project rejected
One of the breakout stars of the World Cup is edging closer to a major move to Serie A after choosing Juventus over Chelsea.
“Kerim Alajbegovic, several clubs have been in conversations and several clubs have been in talks,” Romano said.
“For example, I can say that Chelsea have been in the conversation for some time, but for Chelsea the idea was for him to be a project player for the future. They wanted to sign Alajbegovic, possibly find a loan solution, let the player develop and then return to Chelsea.
“So Chelsea identified his talent, but after signing Morgan Rogers they didn't include Alajbegovic in any plans to become a starter with immediate effect.
Current ETV
Kerim Alajbegovic
F, M (L)
Bayer 04
Kerim Alajbegovic
F, M (L)
Bayer 04
ETV Range
€12.4M - €15.2M
“Juventus are offering something completely different. They are offering him the chance to become an important player, compete for a starting place and also the opportunity to become a star in Italy, which is a country that really attracts the player.
“Since the beginning of the transfer window, Kerim Alajbegovic made it clear to his father and the people close to him that he wanted to move to Italy because he believes it is the ideal destination.
“Chelsea tried, but it was a different type of project.
“Now Juventus have an agreement in place with Bayer Leverkusen worth around €30m plus add-ons, rising to a maximum of €35m.
“There are still a few details to clarify with the player, but I think between tonight and tomorrow everything will be completed. Juventus are convinced they will complete the deal for Kerem Alajbegovic.”
Chelsea complete Jordan Henderson deal after Danny Welbeck signing
Chelsea's change in transfer strategy continues, with two experienced Premier League figures arriving at Stamford Bridge.
“Brentford have officially confirmed that Jordan Henderson is terminating his contract at the club and is allowed to leave on a free transfer,” Romano said.
“Chelsea already have an agreement in place with Jordan Henderson on a two-year contract. Everything is done. We are just waiting for the medical and the contract signing.
“Since the beginning of the window Chelsea wanted to add an experienced midfielder and a leader in midfield. Even if he is not young anymore in football terms, they wanted someone with experience and leadership in that position.
“Chelsea were also considering Granit Xhaka, but Sunderland didn't want to let him leave.
“Chelsea have completed the deal for Jordan Henderson on a two-year contract. This follows Danny Welbeck. The deal is also done for Welbeck and, once again, it is a two-year contract.
“We already said in April and May that Chelsea were going to change their strategy following the arrival of Xabi Alonso. They wanted to bring in more experienced players.
“Now they have 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson. Both deals are done.”
Current ETV
Jordan Henderson
DM, M (C)
Jordan Henderson
DM, M (C)
ETV Range
€1.6M - €2.4M
Fabrizio Romano explains Chelsea delay over Maxence Lacroix announcement
Romano insists there is no reason for Chelsea supporters to worry despite the absence of an official announcement.
He said: “Sometimes clubs complete everything in terms of paperwork and verbal agreements, but then it takes a few more days before the official announcement.
“It can depend on documents, paperwork or small details, but it doesn't change the outcome.
“For example, in the last video I explained that Jorrel Diomande was not yet official at Real Madrid because RB Leipzig were working on a replacement before completing the sale.
“For Lacroix there is no panic. He has already completed his medical at Chelsea.
“The agreement between Chelsea and Crystal Palace is being officially signed today. The first part of the documentation was already signed a few days ago and today the clubs are countersigning everything.
“The player has completed his medical, so it is only a matter of a short time before Chelsea can officially announce Maxence Lacroix.”
Current ETV
Maxence Lacroix
D (C)
C. Palace
Maxence Lacroix
D (C)
C. Palace
ETV Range
€41.8M - €51.1M
Barcola to Liverpool latest
Romano has addressed the growing excitement around Liverpool's pursuit of Bradley Barcola, insisting negotiations are progressing but not yet complete.
“Now suddenly people are saying the agreement on personal terms is done,” he said. “Not yet. It will get done because I don’t think that will be a problem. Barcola wants to go to Liverpool, but we have to go step by step.
“They are still discussing personal terms, but I don't expect that to be an issue. Barcola wants Liverpool.
“People are also saying Liverpool are preparing an official bid. Of course they are. If you want to sign a player you eventually have to submit an official offer. I can guarantee the bid was not sent yesterday and it will not be sent today. It is going to take a few more days.
“The relationship between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain is very good, but then there is the financial aspect.
“PSG are talking about €170m. It will not be a €170m transfer fee, but it will still be a very big amount of money.
“The two clubs are already in contact and discussing the structure of the official bid. I have no doubt Liverpool will bid soon, but the conversations are already ongoing.”
Barcelona waiting on Julian Alvarez as Eli Junior Kroupi suffers injury
Barcelona's transfer plans remain unchanged despite recent links with Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi.
“I told you two days ago that Barcelona had already stepped away from talks for Eli Junior Kroupi,” Romano said.
“They made enquiries and spoke with Bournemouth, but once they realised Bournemouth had no intention of selling, Barcelona closed the file.
“Unfortunately, Kroupi has now suffered a foot injury and will require surgery. He is expected to be out for three or four months.
“He is effectively out of the market now, although Bournemouth had already made it clear that they wanted to keep him.
“There was interest from several clubs, but Kroupi will remain at Bournemouth this summer.
Compared
Eli Kroupi
F, M (C)
B'mouth
Eli Kroupi
F, M (C)
B'mouth
VS
Julián Álvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
Julián Álvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
|
|
ETV |
|
| €32.6M - €54.4M | ETV Range | €93.4M - €114.1M |
| 20 years old (23 Jun, 2006) | Age | 26 years old (31 Jan, 2000) |
|
France
|
Nationality |
Argentina
|
“Barcelona continue to wait for Julian Alvarez.
“They have not withdrawn their proposal or moved on to another target.
“They have explored other opportunities, but there has been no breakthrough and Atletico Madrid's position has not changed.
“That remains the situation.
“I also discussed Ferran Torres previously. Barcelona are not in active negotiations with any club over him.
“Paris Saint-Germain have spoken with the player's representatives and there are other interested clubs, but Barcelona still count on Ferran Torres.
“His contract situation is a separate issue and there is no advanced agreement at this stage.”
Bayern Munich tell three players they are free to leave
Bayern Munich have informed three members of their squad that they are no longer part of the club's plans.
“Bayern have made it clear to Joao Palhinha, Bryan Zaragoza and Sacha Boey that they are all out of the project,” Romano confirmed.
“The club want each of them to find a new club this summer.
“Some players, such as Joao Palhinha, would prefer to stay and fight for their place and try to convince the manager.
“In football you can never say never, but Bayern's intention is very clear.
“They want to receive suitable offers and allow the players to leave if possible.
“We will now see what opportunities emerge on the market for all three.”
Read more about:
La Liga
Serie A
Bundesliga
Ligue 1
Premier League
B'mouth
Barcelona
Bayer 04
Bayern
Brentford
C. Palace
Chelsea
Juventus
Liverpool
Man City
Man Utd
Marseille
PSG
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Bradley Barcola
Gerónimo Rulli
Joao Palhinha
Jordan Henderson
Julián Alvarez
Junior Kroupi
Marcus Rashford
Maxence Lacroix
