26 Apr 2026 08:56 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 Julian Alvarez, Manchester United and Marcus Rashford.
Man City transfer update
Manchester City are set for a major summer transfer window, with a number of key players set to depart and Pep Guardiola’s long-term future still up in the air.
Speaking in his latest YouTube video, transfer expert Romano said: “For Man City there will be many changes. We know Bernardo Silva is leaving on a free transfer. We know John Stones, as reported in an exclusive story a few weeks ago, is leaving on a free transfer. So there will be movements.
“Let us see what happens with Pep Guardiola, whether he decides to continue or to go. But remember my story, I have been telling you here on YouTube several times how important this is: Enzo Maresca remains the favourite candidate to become the next Man City coach whenever Pep Guardiola decides to go, whether this summer or in summer 2027.
“But at Man City, another player is leaving on a permanent deal. He was on loan at Inter Milan, and it is Manuel Akanji. The Swiss defender is leaving Man City on a permanent transfer as Inter will trigger the buy option clause of close to €15 million.
“Everything is agreed with the player, and he has been a crucial player for Inter this season. They are leading the Serie A table, so for sure this is an important story.”
Man Utd’s midfield plan
Manchester United are also expected to be active in the transfer market this summer and adding at least two new central midfielders to their squad is understood to be their priority for the upcoming window.
This has been confirmed by Romano, who admitted. “Man Utd want to sign at least two midfielders. Manuel Ugarte is going and Casemiro is going, so Man Utd will be linked with several midfielders, but they are yet to decide what they are going to do in terms of activating options and signing players.
“Carlos Baleba has been on the list since August 2025. Baleba wanted to go to Manchester United and the agreement on personal terms remains valid, but now it is on United to decide whether they want to proceed or not.
“Today the name you are asking me about is Ederson from Atalanta. Ederson and Atletico Madrid have agreed on personal terms, but Atletico have not reached an agreement with Atalanta because they are asking for €45m for a player under contract until summer 2027 and not willing to sign a new deal.
“For Atletico at the moment this is considered too expensive. I also told you they are considering Julian Brandt as one of the names. Another name for Atletico Madrid since January remains Joao Gomes from Wolves. For Joao Gomes, Atletico Madrid are in the mix and are talking with his agent Jorge Mendes, so he is a potential target.”
Romano continued: “For Ederson, two Premier League clubs are considering this opportunity. Man Utd’s interest is not a new story, as he was already on the list in summer 2025 and remains a monitored player.
“Man Utd are informed about the situation of Ederson, but at the moment nothing is decided. The first step is Champions League football and the second step is the managerial decision. Then they will activate the options they want for midfielders. This is going to be the plan.
“Ederson has been monitored for a long time at Man Utd. He was already a target one year ago, but Atalanta said no to his exit. This summer they are prepared to sell for €45m, but again from Man Utd there is still no decision made.”
Marcus Rashford to Barcelona latest
Barcelona are yet to make a final decision on whether to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal and Romano has revealed they are eager to negotiate a lower fee than the €30m buy clause.
“Rashford is always delivering. Rashford has been, in my personal opinion, fantastic this season in terms of behaviour,” the transfer expert said.
“Arriving at Barcelona is not easy, especially being on the bench for a player of his status, but he has always behaved in a fantastic way. He has had a positive attitude with team-mates and with the coach. The coach is very happy with Marcus Rashford, so the connection is very good and he has never created any problems. Now it is on Barcelona to decide what they want to do.
“At the moment my understanding is that Barcelona want to renegotiate the loan for Marcus Rashford. They are still not triggering the €30m buy option clause from Man Utd, while United insist on the clause or the player will return and they will assess the best solution, whether a direct sale or something else.
“At the moment this distance between Man Utd and Barcelona remains. Barcelona are also considering alternative targets, so it is an internal discussion whether they want to proceed with Rashford or not.
“Rashford would love to stay at Barcelona. He is very happy at the club and believes he can do even better next season. The connection is very good, but now it is up to Barcelona to decide whether to activate the option or reach a new agreement with Manc Utd.”
Robert Lewandowski future
Robert Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona is also unknown and Romano has revealed that negotiations will continue over the coming weeks.
“It will also be important to understand what happens with Robert Lewandowski,” he said. “Do not forget that Barcelona are open to keeping Lewandowski for one more season, but on a short-term contract of one year and with a reduced salary.
“At the moment Lewandowski and his agent are considering all possibilities, including MLS, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. His agent will travel, including to Italy in the next weeks, to assess all options and bring them to the table.
“Then it will be Lewandowski who decides whether to stay at Barcelona or try something different. This will be important to understand what Barcelona will do in attack.”
Julian Alvarez transfer rumours
Finally, Romano provided an update on the transfer status of Julian Alvarez.
“It is being reported that Alvarez has already spoken to Hansi Flick, that he is already looking for a house in Barcelona, and that he has agreed terms. I can guarantee that nothing will develop on the Julian Alvarez story in the next few days because Atletico Madrid are preparing for a Champions League semi-final.
“Alvarez does not want any distraction. Everything is focused on the pitch and the possibility of achieving something historic with Atletico Madrid. So this is the situation. Nothing is going to change now. Barcelona would love to sign Alvarez, but they are aware of the very difficult financial package required. The situation has not changed.
“There will be many rumours, but for now Alvarez is fully focused on Atletico Madrid and the Champions League semi-finals. Then we will understand more because, as I have always told you since November, all doors remain open for his future. That remains the case for the summer, but now is not the time for final decisions, it is time to focus.”
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