7 May 2026 06:59 BST |
7 min read
Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has delivered the latest on the trouble at Real Madrid, several important moves at Barcelona and the prospect of Casemiro completing a U-turn to stay at Manchester United.
Real Madrid internal tension builds
The situation at Real Madrid is becoming increasingly fraught. Indeed, there appears to have been a complete breakdown between relationships at the club, with Roman able to confirm reports in Spain of another fight within the squad.
“According to Marca, Aurelien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde were involved in a fight today in training. What I can confirm is that it is true. There were also problems a few months ago in training between Alvaro Carreras and Antonio Rudiger,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“So the situation at Real Madrid is quite tense in terms of internal relationships. We will need a specific video about this. But the big breaking news tonight is this fight involving Valverde and Tchouameni. We need to understand the consequences too. For sure, at Real Madrid there is a situation to clarify with several players and with the manager of course.
“So do not forget what I always told you: Jose Mourinho would love to return to Real Madrid. I will tell you more soon about these situations. But for sure, it is a hot situation at Real Madrid right now, and not in a positive way.”
Barcelona make last-ditch attempt to keep Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski has been linked with a move to MLS, but Barcelona have made a late play for the Poland international striker to remain at the club.
“Pini Zahavi, the agent of Lewandowski, has arrived in Spain,” Romano said. “There will be discussions with Barcelona because Barcelona plan to offer one more year on Lewandowski’s contract, but on reduced terms, while Lewandowski has several possibilities. Do not forget Saudi Arabia, because Saudi clubs have wanted Lewandowski for a long time. MLS clubs are also interested. Italian clubs too. Zahavi has also visited Italian clubs in recent days in Europe, so for sure he is working on the Lewandowski situation.
“And obviously it is important because it will impact the striker situation at Barcelona, the number nine position. So we have to wait on that.
“Zahavi and Joan Laporta, the president of Barca, have an excellent relationship, more than excellent.”
Flick contract talks confirmed
As well as Lewandowski, Zahavi will also discuss the future of Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick.
“What I can tell you today is that Barcelona are prepared to make a formal official proposal to Flick to extend his contract. The current one expires in June 2027. There are two ways being discussed. One is a new contract until 2028, plus an option until 2029. The other option is a three-year deal from now until 2029,” Romano said.
“So there are two ways on the table, and we have to understand the length. Salary, from what I understand, is not going to be a problem. Flick is very happy at Barcelona. Barcelona are in love with Flick and the work he has been doing. So the intention is to continue together.
“These discussions will continue because Zahavi arrived today in Barcelona, so the conversations will go on. But for sure, Hansi Flick is going to lead Barcelona next season too. The only question is whether it will be a three-year contract or two years plus one. That is the conversation.”
Ansu Fati to Monaco: Deal confirmed
Barcelona are also set to conclude a major transfer, with La Masia graduate Ansu Fati destined for Monaco in a deal worth €11 million.
Romano said: “Monaco have decided to go all in and pay the buy option clause for Ansu Fati. That is €11m. So Monaco are ready to close the deal with Barcelona and keep the player.
“They are very happy with Ansu Fati. He is doing very well in France. Monaco, and especially director Thiago Scuro, are very happy with the impact he has had. They believe he can do even more in the future.
“There will be conversations to seal everything at the end of the season, but it is already very advanced, with Monaco prepared to close the deal. The final green light from Ansu Fati and from his camp is still pending, but Monaco are optimistic and want to complete it.
“Between clubs, they already informed Barcelona that they want to proceed. Many Barca fans are asking what that means for Barcelona. My understanding is that Barcelona would only keep a sell-on clause for Ansu Fati, not a buyback clause.
“A sell-on clause for Barcelona, which is still a way to control the player’s future, but not a direct buyback clause.”
Casemiro’s Man Utd exit confirmed
Manchester United midfielder will not be talked into a U-turn over his future, with the Brazilian dead set on leaving Old Trafford as a free agent.
“I know it is a sad story, but it is the reality: Casemiro will not stay at Manchester United,” Romano said.
“I know the song, ‘one more year, one more year’, because Manchester United fans are trying to push Casemiro to stay one more season, play Champions League football and be part of the project next season too. But my understanding, to be very honest, is that Casemiro wants to try something different.
“And today, speaking to ESPN, he confirmed that he is ready for a new chapter.
“So where is Casemiro going? My understanding remains MLS, with Inter Miami leading the race and pushing. Inter Miami are the favourites. LA Galaxy are also interested, but Casemiro is leaning towards MLS rather than Saudi Arabia or European clubs.
“Let’s wait for more conversations to take place, but for sure Casemiro’s future is linked to MLS. And Casemiro is not going to stay at Manchester United. It was a very honest interview today with ESPN Brazil, saying he loves Manchester United, wants to finish well, and wants to finish in a beautiful way. He also said he will be a United fan forever. In England it will be his club. So a very loyal and respectful message from Casemiro once again.”
Related stories:
Alisson reaches Juventus agreement in €15m deal
Real Madrid star releases official statement after Rudiger dressing room slap
Transfer Rumours: Darwin Nunez agreement as Chelsea talks confirmed
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
View full bio
