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Fabrizio Romano transfer news: Carrick sack truth, Bruno talks, Julian Alvarez absence
14 Sept 2026 06:45 BST |
7 min read
News
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano provides updates on Julian Alvarez, Michael Carrick, Bruno Fernandes, Federico Dimarco, Gerard Martin and Renato Sanches.
Julian Alvarez absence explained as Atletico dismiss transfer fears
Romano has put to bed any conspiracy theories surrounding Julian Alvarez’s absence from Atletico Madrid’s squad at the weekend. The Argentine, who was linked with a move to Arsenal and Barcelona in the summer, was simply injured.
“Julian Alvarez was not part of the squad for Atletico Madrid's game against Real Sociedad, news confirmed directly by the club. He was not even called up for the game and did not travel with the team – something that obviously made the news on Sunday,” Romano said.
“Madrid won the game. It was a beautiful performance by Atleti, with a first goal for new signing Jonathan David, on loan from Juventus with a €25 million option to buy.
“Talking about the Julian Alvarez situation, what's important to mention is that the absence was really only because of an injury. Julian suffered this injury in training.
Current ETV
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
ETV Range
€75.6M - €92.4M
“Julian was a starter against Liverpool at Anfield and then was not even called up just because of this injury. The injury, according to those close to Julian, is described as something normal after a difficult summer for the player.
“The training sessions were not normal. The pre-season was not normal for Julian. We know how difficult the summer was for the Argentinian striker, so obviously it was complicated to prepare for the season in the right way.
“To have these sorts of problems at the beginning of the new season is considered normal by Atletico Madrid. There is no transfer reason behind this. There is no fight internally behind this.
“The desire of Julian in the summer to go to Barcelona was clear. The desire of Atletico not to sell to Barcelona was also clear. That's it. This is not a transfer absence.
“Sometimes during the window, we have these kinds of situations, like Yan Diomande. When Diomande was not with the Leipzig squad in August, it was because he was going to Real Madrid. In this case, with Julian, that's not the case.
“Or Enzo Fernandez, who was going to Manchester City and was not featuring for Chelsea. This is not the case with Julian Alvarez.”
Man Utd maintain faith in Michael Carrick after Man City defeat
Manchester United might have only won one of their first four Premier League matches of the season, but they continue to back Michael Carrick – even after a 1-0 derby loss to 10-man Manchester City on Sunday.
“Man Utd absolutely remain convinced that the future will be bright under Michael Carrick,” Romano said.
“Manchester United absolutely know that maybe the point about the summer transfer window was to add one more player, a left-back. They tried. It was not possible to proceed with the right options.
“United didn't want to sign just to say: 'OK, we signed one.' They wanted to be convinced about the player they were going to sign, and so that's why nothing happened.
“But they maintain total faith and confidence in Michael Carrick. They only have four points in four Premier League games, so obviously this is disappointing in terms of results, but Man Utd remain convinced about that.
“Carrick remains absolutely convinced too. What Carrick says in public - 'We are going to do very well, I am confident, this team is good' and all the rest - is what he's saying to the club.
“Carrick remains absolutely convinced that this team can do very well in the next weeks and months, especially after the break. So that's the feeling of Michael Carrick.”
Bruno Fernandes contract talks continue with key issues unresolved
United are in talks with Bruno Fernandes over a new deal, but the progress has not necessarily been smooth with their captain.
Romano explained: “Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes started discussing a new contract before the World Cup.
“This news didn't hit the media yet at that point, but now it's everywhere because the reality is that before, during and right after the World Cup, let's say until the end of July, several clubs tried to sign Bruno Fernandes.
“European clubs and also clubs from Turkey, Galatasaray with a big proposal, plus, as every single summer, Saudi clubs calling, trying and attempting because from Saudi they wanted Bruno for a very long time.
“So there were attempts. Bruno decided to stay. Bruno decided to continue at United. United only wanted Bruno to stay as a crucial player this season, including with Champions League football.
“Then there is a clause in Bruno's contract to extend for one more season, so United remain in control of the situation.
“The conversation between United and Bruno over a new contract remains ongoing. It's not off, it's not collapsed, it's not over. They are discussing, they are talking, but from what I understand, at the moment there is still no agreement.
“They had conversations in July, in June, in August and also in the recent weeks. Still no agreement because, for Bruno, this is obviously a very important contract.
“Financially, the salary and length of contract are important. He's no longer super young. He's still a fantastic player, but no longer super young, so maybe Bruno has, I don't know, two or three important contracts left. And so it's an important one.
“There are several points, including the release clause. Bruno has a release clause in his current contract at United. They have to decide whether to include the clause or not, how much it should be and when it would be valid.
“So there are several points to clarify. That's why there is still no agreement.”
Inter open talks with Federico Dimarco over new contract
Inter Milan are seeking to lock down Federico Dimarco to a fresh deal.
“A meeting took place between Inter and Federico Dimarco's agents last week to start discussing a new deal for the left-back,” Romano said of the 28-year-old.
“Inter are talking with the agents of Federico Dimarco. There is a conversation ongoing. Inter are trying. Inter absolutely want Dimarco to stay.
“Inter are convinced that Dimarco is a crucial part of the squad and he's also an Inter fan. So they believe he's an absolutely crucial player.
“Dimarco is more than happy about staying. So there is a conversation starting about a new contract for Federico Dimarco.
“We will follow the next steps because it's still not time for an agreement, done, here we go. It's going to take some time to discuss and meet again.
“But the new director at Inter, Dario Bacin, has already held a round of conversations with the agents of Federico Dimarco.”
Current ETV
Federico Dimarco
D, M (L)
Inter
Federico Dimarco
D, M (L)
Inter
ETV Range
€33.4M - €40.9M
Barcelona relaxed over Gerard Martin contract negotiations
Barcelona, meanwhile, are ready to extend the contract of Gerard Martin.
“At Barcelona, a team also linked in the final days of the summer transfer window with a potential move for Federico Dimarco, Gerard Martin, who is a left-back and centre-back and can cover several positions, is in discussions with Barca over a new contract,” Romano said.
“As Fernando Polo reported in Mundo Deportivo, it's true, Barcelona are having conversations with Gerard Martin and his agents to prepare the talks over a new contract.
“It's not done yet. Also in this case, there is a feeling that there is no need to run because the player is super happy at Barca.
“Barca are in love with the player. Barca know internally that Gerard Martin is not the kind of player who is going to create a problem in these conversations.
“Barca remain absolutely relaxed about the situation. There is going to be a conversation because Barca are happy with the player, with his growth, with his performances and with his future at the club.
“They are convinced he's going to do very well. And so Gerard Martin's new contract is going to be a topic of discussion at Barcelona in the next weeks.”
Renato Sanches offered to Getafe as free-agent market moves
The free agent market continues to be active, with former PSG midfielder Renato Sanches one of the main attractions.
“Coutinho went to Santos. James Rodriguez went to Atletico Nacional. So there is a lot of movement with the final free agents before they can find a new side, a new club,” Romano said of these out-of-contract players.
“Renato Sanches has left Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. Renato Sanches is available.
“About Getafe, many questions: can Renato Sanches go to Getafe? What happened, according to my information, is that Getafe were offered the possibility to sign Renato Sanches.
“Getafe didn't send a bid for Renato. Getafe received a call from the player's side to say: 'Are you interested in the player?' It was not Getafe calling and saying: 'Let's sign Renato Sanches.'
“So that's a different story. Renato is being offered to clubs. It's an opportunity on a free for clubs who are looking for midfielders. Let's see what's going to happen there.”
