24 Apr 2026 08:05 BST |
7 min read
Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories ahead of this summer, including the latest on Carlos Baleba, Chelsea and Rafael Leao.
Rafael Leao transfer situation
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has been heavily linked with a Premier League move in recent weeks and Romano has confirmed that a transfer could be on the cards if a suitable offer is submitted.
“It has not been an easy season for Leao, especially in the second part of the campaign, but AC Milan are not actively looking to sell the player,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“So he is not completely out of the Milan project. However, in case of a strong proposal for both the player and the club, there is a possibility that he could leave AC Milan in the summer transfer window.”
“On Barcelona, there have been many questions recently. At the moment, apart from being appreciated by president Joan Laporta, there is nothing more concrete. Barcelona have not started any negotiations with AC Milan or with the player’s agents.
“There are also many rumours from England regarding Premier League clubs. I can tell you that some Premier League clubs have made calls to understand the situation. They are asking about the valuation, Milan’s expectations, and the salary details.
“From what I am hearing, at least two Premier League clubs have made these enquiries. At this stage, there are no official proposals or negotiations, but interest is building.
“One year ago Bayern Munich were interested, but now they have different priorities and other targets for the winger position. So the situation remains open, with several clubs monitoring Rafael Leao.”
Sunderland and Man Utd manager update
Several top clubs are expected to be in the market for a new manager this summer and Romano has provided an in-depth update on the current situation.
“Now, moving on to managers, there are several updates to clarify,” he said. “First, regarding a manager doing very well in the Premier League this season, Regis Le Bris at Sunderland.
“There were rumours suggesting he could lose his job if the club fails to qualify for European football. My understanding is that Sunderland want to continue with Le Bris regardless of the final outcome this season. The club’s intention is to maintain stability and continue with the current project.
He continued: “At Manchester United, the internal feeling is very positive regarding Michael Carrick. The club are very happy with his recent work, even more so in the past few weeks. He started well, but his recent performances have strengthened his position significantly.
“There is satisfaction with the results, tactical approach, attitude, and especially his relationship with the players. He has built strong connections with senior figures in the dressing room as well as younger players.
“At the moment, Carrick has a serious chance of being appointed permanently as head coach. However, nothing has been finalised or officially confirmed yet, so the situation remains open.”
Romano added: “One of the names previously appreciated within the Manchester United board was Luis Enrique. However, the current situation is that Paris Saint-Germain are close to agreeing a new contract with him. The proposed deal would run until June 2030 and includes a significant salary increase.
“Luis Enrique is open to continuing at the club, and the expectation is that an agreement will be signed soon. Despite recent reports, nothing has been formally completed yet, but all indications point towards continuity.”
Edin Terzic to Chelsea?
Chelsea are also hunting for another new permanent manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior, but a move for Edin Terzic has been ruled out by Romano.
“Another important update concerns Edin Terzic,” the transfer expert said. “He has a verbal agreement in place to become the next head coach of Athletic Club Bilbao.
“There have been links with the Chelsea job, but my understanding is that this is not an active possibility at this stage. Chelsea are aware of the agreement between Terzic and Athletic Bilbao, and he is not currently in their plans.”
Enzo Maresca to Man City?
Meanwhile, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly regarded as Manchester City’s ideal successor to Pep Guardiola when the Spaniard departs.
Romano clarified: “Many are still asking about Enzo Maresca. I maintain my position on this situation. Maresca will not return to Chelsea. It is not a possibility. Instead, he is the candidate identified by Manchester City to replace Pep Guardiola in the future.
“Whether that happens this summer or next summer remains to be seen. Internally, Manchester City believe Maresca is the ideal successor.
“There are links with other managers, including Vincent Kompany and various Spanish coaches, but Maresca remains the leading candidate. There is nothing signed or finalised yet, but he is a serious option for the future.”
Carlos Baleba to Man Utd latest
Finally, Romano confirmed that Carlos Baleba remains on Man Utd’s radar, with the verbal agreement on contract terms still valid from last summer.
“I want to mention a player I have been discussing since August last year, Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfielder was a top target for Manchester United last summer and remains under consideration,” Romano said.
“At this stage, nothing has been decided or advanced. However, he is still on the club’s shortlist as they plan potential midfield reinforcements.
“In August 2025, Manchester United had an agreement in principle with Baleba on personal terms. The player was keen on the move, but Brighton refused to sell. The same situation occurred again in January. At that time, Manchester United indicated that they could revisit the deal in the summer of 2026.
“Now, Baleba remains a target for both the scouting department and figures within the club.
“There are still several factors to consider, including the appointment of a permanent manager, budget decisions, and Brighton’s stance. However, what I can confirm is that the verbal agreement between Baleba and Manchester United from 2025 remains valid for 2026.
“The player is still very keen on a move to Manchester United.”
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Man Utd Transfer News Today: Leao deal explored as Red Devils get massive discount on key target
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Gunners eye shock raid for Tottenham star as ‘unlimited’ offer prepared
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