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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Enzo could still leave, Rodri hold-up, Suarez deal OFF
Updated: 16 Aug 2026 07:14 BST |
5 min read
News
Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several transfer stories, including the latest on Enzo Fernandez, Rodri and Luis Suarez.
Man City still want Fernandez despite Chelsea deadline
Manchester City are not giving up hope of signing Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea this summer, according to Romano.
Chelsea told interested clubs they had until 5:00pm on Friday to bid €140million (£120m) for Fernandez, or the midfielder would stay with them.
However, despite failing to agree a deal within that timeframe, Romano understands City remain keen to land the Argentina international.
STATS
Enzo Fernández
M, DM (C)
Chelsea
Enzo Fernández
M, DM (C)
Chelsea
In a new YouTube video, Romano said: “I can confirm to you that Manchester City are yet to give up on Enzo.
“Until the deadline, Man City or any other club had the chance to sign Enzo Fernandez for £120m, no need for negotiation.
“Now, with this verbal [deadline closed], negotiations would be needed and Chelsea are in total control of the situation.
“Man City are still calling, Man City are still trying to understand if there is a way [to reach an agreement], so as of today, I would not call the deal ‘off’.”
Barcelona remain optimistic of reaching deal to sign Rodri
Barcelona remain “absolutely confident” of reaching an agreement with Man City to sign Spain captain Rodri, Romano understands.
The La Liga giants have made Rodri their top target as they look to strengthen their midfield before the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Romano says Barcelona have tabled a third bid to sign Rodri, with talks ongoing between them and Man City over a deal.
Current ETV
Rodri
DM, M (C)
Man City
Rodri
DM, M (C)
Man City
ETV Range
€53.3M - €65.1M
“Barcelona remain absolutely, absolutely confident on Rodri,” Romano said. “The expectation at Barca remains very optimistic. They presented a third proposal [and] there is an active conversation with Manchester City.
“I think the crucial part of this story, for those who don’t understand why the deal is not done yet, is Rodri himself. Rodri is not a normal player. Rodri is Rodri, he is a legend of the game.
“So when a player like him decides to go with one year left on his contract, Manchester City understand that the player wants to go and Manchester City are expected to be respectful.
“Then Manchester City must be respected as well because they want to get their money, and so the conversation is ongoing with Barcelona but the expectation is absolutely positive. So stay patient on this one.”
Barcelona decide against triggering Suarez release clause
Barcelona have no intention of triggering an €80m (£68.4m) release clause to sign Luis Suarez from Sporting CP, Romano claims.
Romano broke the news on Friday that the Spanish giants had shortlisted the Colombia striker as an alternative to Julian Alvarez.
Atletico Madrid insist Alvarez will not be sold this summer after rejecting an undisclosed bid by Barcelona in July.
Compared
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
VS
Luis Suárez
F (C)
Sporting
Luis Suárez
F (C)
Sporting
2025/2026
Season Statistics
2025/2026
| 49 | Appearances | 53 |
| 20 | Goals | 38 |
| 9 | Assists | 8 |
“I can 100 per cent confirm that Barcelona got information on the player (Suarez),” Romano said. “Barcelona called to understand the case of the Colombian striker.
“But I can also confirm to you that the final decision made by Deco (Barcelona sporting director), internally, is not to proceed [with a deal to sign] Luis Suarez for the release clause.
“Barca are not going to pay the release clause for Suarez, that’s for sure. [Unless] conditions change, we can consider this file, as of today, off.”
Neto-to-Man City stalls over Chelsea asking price
Man City remain interested in signing Pedro Neto but a deal is complicated by Chelsea’s valuation of the winger, according to Romano.
Romano reported earlier this month that City had contacted Neto’s representatives to gauge his interest in moving to the Etihad Stadium.
However, Romano says the potential move has stalled due to Chelsea’s asking price for Neto, though no specific figure is mentioned.
STATS
Pedro Neto
F (R), M (RL)
Chelsea
Pedro Neto
F (R), M (RL)
Chelsea
The Italian said: “Pedro Neto is another player appreciated by Manchester City but, at the moment, Manchester City believe the valuation made by Chelsea for Pedro Neto is way too high.
“Manchester City spoke to the agent of Pedro Neto but Manchester City are not advancing [with a deal] because of this reason: the valuation made by Chelsea is considered too high.”
Related stories:
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Victor Osimhen breaks silence as €170m deal possible
Chelsea Transfer News Today: Pedro Neto agreement as €47m decision made
Man Utd Transfer News: Deal greenlit as Carlos Baleba decision changes everything
