Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Raphinha, Lewis Hall, Modric, Estevao fears

11 Sept 2026 07:05 BST | 8 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Raphinha, Willian Estevao — © IMAGO

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

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Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reveals the latest on Raphinha, Chelsea's young stars, Lewis Hall, Giorgio Scalvini and Luka Modric's possible Real Madrid return.

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Raphinha ready for new Barcelona contract talks

Romano explains why Raphinha's excellent start to the season is set to lead to fresh contract talks at Barcelona.

“It's a good moment for Barcelona, of course. As we see, they have won every single game so far, scoring 22 goals in five games. One of the crucial players for Barcelona, Raphinha, is ready to start conversations with Barca over a new contract,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“The message sent by sporting director Deco is clear. They are very happy, delighted at Barcelona with Raphinha. There were some rumours and stories about a possible Al-Hilal switch in the summer, the chance for Al-Hilal to go for Raphinha, but the reality is that Raphinha never considered a potential exit to Saudi Arabia.

“So the interest from Saudi is one thing, and it's realistic because in Saudi Arabia they always want top players and they have wanted Raphinha for a few years, so that's not new. But it was never a concrete topic in the summer transfer window for one reason: Raphinha is very happy with Barcelona.

Current ETV

Raphinha

F, M (L), AM (R)

Barcelona

Raphinha

F, M (L), AM (R)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€45.7M - €55.8M

“Raphinha loves Barcelona. Raphinha and Barca share a very good relationship and now he's doing fantastic. So a new contract is going to be a topic of conversation. Don't forget the relationship again between Raphinha's camp and Barca is excellent.

“So I don't see any big issues or problems, but the conversation is going to enter important stages in the next few weeks.”

Chelsea urged to stay calm over Estevao and Quenda

Romano says Chelsea fans should not panic about the limited game time of Estevao and Estevao Quenda.

“My message to Chelsea fans in this case on these two players is: calm. Stay calm, because they are two young players. It's just the start of the season,” he said.

“Obviously, it's a season without European football, so there is less space and less game time for some players. It's absolutely obvious. It's also the start of something new, so don't forget that.

“Xabi Alonso also wants to find guarantees when he's picking his team, and so he can't always risk something. Obviously, they are starting a completely different tactical process as well at Chelsea. So there are several reasons why maybe you don't see them starting week in, week out. It's part of the game.

“Quenda only featured in the first matchday, but those close to the player remain relaxed. They are convinced that Quenda can help very soon at Chelsea, so it's not time to discuss an exit now. We will see later on.

“And for Estevao, there were some stories about Estevao being unhappy, about Estevao being sad about his game time at Chelsea. Estevao started against Leeds in the Carabao Cup, first of all, but at the same time, Chelsea keep believing Estevao is going to be a superstar in the future, a top player for their project.

“Chelsea are backing Estevao, Chelsea are tracking Estevao. Again, it's just the start of the season. There is no panic at all around the situation.”

Kendry Paez facing an uncertain Chelsea future

Romano reveals why Chelsea are looking for a different solution for Kendry Paez after his loan spell at River Plate ended prematurely.

“Xabi Alonso was very honest on the Kendry Paez situation, another young talent. You know, when you sign young players, especially coming from another continent, from South America, it's a completely different environment when compared to Chelsea,” Romano said.

“For Kendry Paez, the Ecuadorian talent, it was difficult to stay at the same level. Then they sent him on loan to River Plate, and River Plate decided to send the player back to Chelsea because at some point they were not happy with the attitude of the boy, also in training.

“So there have been some issues, there have been some problems. Again, Xabi Alonso has been quite clear when the question was: now Kendry is back from River Plate, can he be part of the first team? Can he be part of the training? He clearly said he's not part of our plans for now.

“So what does it mean? It means that Chelsea are trying to find the best solution possible for Kendry Paez, because they want him to play. They want him to develop. They want him to find the right way.

“My feeling in this case, compared to the other situations - we spoke about Estevao, about Quenda - these are players that Chelsea today see as part of their project for the future.

“For Kendry Paez, my feeling is that Chelsea are trying to find a different kind of solution because they know that it's unlikely to see Kendry Paez featuring for the first team anytime soon.

“Then, football is fast, Kendry is very young, and should he do well on loan, obviously this could change the picture. But as of now, that's the feeling.”

© IMAGO - Kendry Paez: Chelsea youngster's loan ended by River Plate

Lewis Hall agrees new Newcastle contract

Romano confirms that Lewis Hall is close to signing a long-term Newcastle contract despite Manchester United's continued interest.

“The update will make Newcastle United fans very happy because Newcastle have an agreement in principle with Lewis Hall and his agents over a new contract,” Romano confirmed.

“The deal is almost done until June 2031, so a five-year contract for Lewis Hall. It's not going to include a release clause.

Current ETV

Lewis Hall

D (L)

Newcastle

Lewis Hall

D (L)

Newcastle

ETV Range

€27.4M - €33.5M

“Someone said there is going to be a release clause dedicated to Manchester United, and so for a potential exit in 2027, the destination Man United. The message coming out of Newcastle is that there is not going to be any release clause for Manchester United.

“That's the message, that's the feeling. Then, if you ask me, do you expect Man United to return for Lewis Hall in summer 2027? I think it's a serious possibility because Man United love the player.

“Man United already wanted him strongly a few weeks ago, and so to see United returning for Lewis Hall is realistic.

“But at the same time, Newcastle get a new deal done. Newcastle, with their new coach, Matthias Jaissle, are entering into a new dimension, and also some players are very happy, including Lewis Hall, and that's also why he's signing a new contract.

“So at the moment, the situation is considered absolutely under control.”

Giorgio Scalvini unlikely to leave Atalanta soon

Romano plays down Newcastle's links with Giorgio Scalvini and expects the highly rated defender to sign a new Atalanta contract.

“On that, to be honest, he's always been linked with Newcastle, but for Atalanta he was untouchable this summer. So that story was not entirely true, apart from having some calls and some meetings,” Romano explained.

“But if we mention all the calls to top clubs like Newcastle do, it's going to be 1,000 links per day. At the end of the day, there was nothing really concrete.

“I expect Giorgio Scalvini now to sign a new contract with Atalanta. And so I don't see any imminent movement, not even in the general transfer window.

“Next summer we will see because Scalvini is one of the most talented defenders around. And so obviously several clubs have been interested in England. Several clubs have been interested in Italy.

“So the movement around Scalvini is absolutely anticipated for 2027 again, even if he's signing a new contract now. But with Newcastle, it was never something really close or concrete despite several links because Atalanta was not on the market.”

Current ETV

Giorgio Scalvini

D (CR)

Atalanta

Giorgio Scalvini

D (CR)

Atalanta

ETV Range

€26.4M - €32.3M

Real Madrid want Luka Modric back one day

Romano reveals that Real Madrid are already seriously considering bringing Luka Modric back to the club in a different role.

“The idea at Real Madrid is already a serious idea internally for Florentino Perez and those close to him: to get Luka Modric back to the club one day as part of the structure at Real Madrid. Again, not as a player,” Romano explained.

“What I can guarantee today is that Luka Modric is more than focused on Milan. So he wants to do his best possible for Milan. He wants to try and win trophies for Milan. So Modric is completely focused on his activity as a football player now.

“Then, if you ask me, is there a chance to see Modric returning to Real Madrid in the future with a different role? I think that's a serious possibility.

“I can't guarantee if it's going to be 2027, 2028 or 2029. This depends on Luka, depends on how it's going to go with Milan.

“But for sure, Real Madrid have this idea to bring back Luka Modric, bring back home Luka Modric, because Modric said Real Madrid is my home. Well, I think that's a serious possibility.”