Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Carrick sack latest, Man Utd's January plans, Real Madrid agree deal

13 Oct 2026 11:02 BST 5 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Michael Carrick, Jose Mourinho — © IMAGO

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on Michael Carrick, Manchester United and Thibaut Courtois.

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Dani Carvajal to join Getafe

Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal has reached an agreement to join Getafe on a free transfer following an investigation from La Liga.

“This week, Dani Carvajal will officially sign his contract as a new Getafe player. Story confirmed, here we go confirmed,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“Carvajal left Real Madrid during the summer transfer window as a free agent. He had a few possibilities, but he wanted to wait. Now, the opportunity to stay in Madrid and continue playing in Spain is appealing to the player from both a family and sporting point of view.

“Getafe also play European football, and they are ready to proceed with Carvajal as a new signing. Everything is done, and we are just waiting for the official announcement.

“Why has it taken a few days. For one reason, La Liga had to approve Dani Carvajal's salary at Getafe in accordance with its financial fair play rules and internal financial controls. Now, the green light has arrived, and Dani Carvajal, the Real Madrid legend who was one of the club's captains in recent years, is ready to start a new chapter at Getafe. Good luck to a Real Madrid legend and a legend of the Spanish national team.”

© IMAGO - Dani Carvajal is joining Getafe

Thibaut Courtois signs new Real Madrid contract

Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois has reached an agreement on a new contract, valid until 2028.

“We also have to continue talking about Real Madrid, and we have to mention something about Thibaut Courtois because the exclusive story of the day on my social media accounts, and something I can tell you more about here, concerns Courtois,” Romano said.

“Thibaut Courtois signs a new contract with Real Madrid for one more season, until June 2028. Here we go. Done deal. We are waiting for the official statement. Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Courtois over a new contract. The news has been confirmed everywhere, in England, in Spain and everywhere else. But today, I told you that the deal is done.

“So, why is this happening? Real Madrid have been offered two goalkeepers since June 2026, over the last three or four months. The club have always told all the representatives that they believe they have the best goalkeeper in the world.

“Real Madrid remain absolutely convinced about Courtois as a goalkeeper, as a leader and as a person. They love Courtois, and Courtois really loves Real Madrid. The connection between them is excellent.

“And so Courtois is staying and signing a new contract until 2028, which means one more season as Real Madrid's goalkeeper. The deal is done.”

© IMAGO - Thibaut Courtois has agreed a new Real Madrid contract

Cristiano Ronaldo expected to return to Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo was the talk of the town over the international break after leaving Portugal’s squad and he has been provisionally suspended by his national team.

"More to mention, guys, also regarding the Cristiano Ronaldo situation,” Romano revealed. “I want to clarify something, guys. I know it has been a very confusing international break. During the last international break, I was giving you daily updates on Cristiano and the situation with Portugal.

“What I can tell you today is that there are two different things. The first is that Cristiano has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese national team. Why? Because this is a regular procedure for a player who has not behaved correctly.

“Cristiano himself said in a statement, 'Please punish me because I am the captain, and if I leave the national team camp, I deserve to be punished.' Cristiano was very honest about this.

“But what I can tell you is that, apart from this provisional suspension, the future, which is what matters, is going to involve Cristiano and Portugal being together again. The president of the federation, Pedro Proenca, announced that they want Cristiano back. And when he says they, he means the president, the coach and the teammates. He said that everyone wants Cristiano Ronaldo back.

“The understanding is that Cristiano is also ready to make himself available for Portugal again. He is open to talking to the federation and the people at the Portuguese national team to find a solution. The Portuguese Football Federation are ready to work towards a solution that suits Cristiano.

“So, this is the position regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, and I think this story is going to continue.”

© IMAGO - Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended by the Portugal national team

Michael Carrick's future at Man Utd

Michael Carrick has been heavily linked with a Man Utd exit after their worst start to a league season in 40 years, but the club retain faith in the manager.

That is according to Romano, who admitted: “At the moment, the situation is still under control. Man Utd are still giving Carrick time and confidence. That is the message coming from the club, including from within Manchester United. They feel that the players are still behind Carrick.

“So, at the moment, the situation is under control. It is a really important couple of weeks for Man Utd because, before the next international break, they have many games, including some big matches. It is not an easy schedule at all.

“This period will be important in understanding how the team reacts and how Carrick does his job. Man Utd are showing confidence in their coach. Then, obviously, do not forget that results are always important. Man Utd have six points from their first six Premier League games. This is not acceptable.

“They have to change the rhythm. So, that is the situation with Carrick at the moment.”

© IMAGO - Michael Carrick is under pressure at Man Utd

Man Utd transfer plans

Meanwhile, Romano has also confirmed that Man Utd may dip back into the transfer market when the January window opens.

“Many of you are already asking me whether, with Man Utd performing so badly in the Premier League, there is a chance they will attack the market in January. My answer is yes, in the sense that if the results remain like this and the right players become available on the market, Man Utd could make moves,” Romano said.

“The club already had some money available in August to do more, beyond the three midfielders they signed. They could have done something else, such as bringing in a left-back. We are not talking about crazy money, but there was still money available to make another signing.

“The feeling at Man Utd was that the right profiles and the right players were not available with only a few days or weeks remaining before the end of the summer transfer window. This is why they decided not to proceed. Some of the players they wanted were not available.

“To give you an example, Lewis Hall, the player they wanted from Newcastle, was not available, and he then signed a new deal.

“So, Man Utd believe that if the right opportunities are still there in terms of players, and if their form remains poor, they will still be keen on signing players. Let's see how many. It is too early to say, but Man Utd would study opportunities on the market in the January transfer window.

“So, keep an eye on that one because it obviously depends on these two factors.”