11 May 2026 07:04 BST |
7 min read
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has delivered updates on major stories at Manchester United and Real Madrid, including the latest on Ederson, Rasmus Hojlund and Jose Mourinho.
Is Ederson to Man Utd a done deal?
Some sources have reported that Ederson is close to completing a move to Manchester United from Atalanta, having agreed personal terms with the club.
Romano warns that there is still some way to go before United sign the Brazilian.
“The deal is not completed yet. The reality is that Ederson is one of the names on Manchester United’s list. Not from now, not from yesterday, not from tomorrow. It has been the case since summer 2025, when United’s recruitment team included the Brazilian midfielder as one of their candidates,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“At that time it was not possible to proceed because Atalanta did not want to sell the player. Now the player is available because he is out of contract in 2027 and is not going to sign a new deal. So yes, Ederson is available, and Manchester United are aware of that.
“My understanding is that United are talking to his agents. I told you some time ago that the conversations are active between United and the agents. They are also aware of Atalanta’s price tag: €45 million. So there are contacts for Ederson, but he is not the only one.
“Manchester United could sign two or three midfielders depending on opportunities and exits, so Ederson is an important name, but not the only one. There are at least five or six midfielders under consideration at United, and I think that is the important part of the story before saying anything is already done or agreed.
“Atletico Madrid had a deal in place on personal terms with Ederson, but they left the conversation because they do not want to pay €45m to Atalanta. They are now closing in on Joao Gomes from Wolves.”
Hojlund heads to Napoli permanently
Man Utd are set to seal a major transfer outgoing, with Rasmus Hojlund close to completing his move to Napoli. Romano explains:
“United could get the final green light, the official approval to receive €44m, a total package of €50m, for Rasmus Hojlund.
“Because if Napoli get official qualification for Champions League football on Monday, the obligation to buy for Hojlund will be activated. So Manchester United are set to receive €44m on top of the €6m they already received last year in August 2025 from Napoli for the loan deal.
“The €50m package is set to be activated next week for Hojlund. He will also have a release clause in his contract from June 2027, not this summer, but from next summer, valid for €85m.
“So that is the story on Hojlund, and obviously it is extra money for Manchester United. That is an important topic.”
Real Madrid latest
Real Madrid’s crisis deepened on Sunday as they lost El Clasico 2-0 against Barcelona, losing the La Liga title in the process.
This came against the backdrop of Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde’s training ground bust-up, which left the latter hospitalised.
“On Aurelien Tchouameni, I already told you that when he made that public statement after what happened with Fede Valverde, he was sending a message for the future: we have to bring Real Madrid back where it belongs from next season. So in public, Tchouameni is basically saying, I want to stay here,” Romano said.
“I told you that Manchester United are watching Tchouameni, but at the moment they are not making any effort because Real Madrid are not opening the door. If one day Madrid and Tchouameni decide to part ways, then Tchouameni would be a dream target for United. But for now, Real Madrid are in control and Tchouameni is sending messages to stay.
“I can tell you the same intention is there for Fede Valverde, despite what happened in the dressing room. After a tense and complicated moment, Valverde wants to continue at Real Madrid. He loves the club, he wants to change the situation around him after this negative moment, and he wants to go back to what we always saw from him: commitment, top performances, versatility, always ready to play everywhere for Real Madrid.
“So from Valverde there is maximum availability to be back as soon as possible and to continue together next season. There is no intention to leave Real Madrid. That is very important to clarify.
“At the moment, the only player who has a guaranteed exit among those with a contract is Dani Ceballos. Alaba is also leaving, and more is already known there, but Ceballos is also going to leave Real Madrid. The situation became very tense, and he was not even called up again for the Clásico tonight.
“So Ceballos is leaving. But Valverde and Tchouameni are different. If anything changes, I will let you know.”
Mourinho talks with Real Madrid confirmed
Jose Mourinho continues to hold talks with Real Madrid – despite what he might be telling the media publicly.
“Mourinho met the press today at Benfica. They are playing at the beginning of next week, and when asked about Real Madrid and the reports, his answer was: ‘I’m not talking with Real Madrid, I’m not talking with anyone at the club. Now the focus is on Benfica and on the end of the season. Then I will have time, some weeks, to speak to anyone I want about my future.’
“Is Mourinho lying, is he telling the truth, is he denying the story? Guys, I always say Mourinho is a master of communication, one of the best ever in football. He knows very well how to handle press conferences and public statements.
“In this moment the focus of Mourinho is on Benfica. He wants to help Benfica until the very end of the season, and then it will be time to understand his future. But I can confirm Mourinho is talking to Real Madrid, and people close to him are talking to Real Madrid too.
“The timing is important because Mourinho does not want to disrespect Benfica. Also because this story depends on Real Madrid. It is Florentino Perez who has to decide: okay, let’s go ahead, Mourinho, here we go.
“If Florentino Perez activates that option, Mourinho would immediately go to Real Madrid. If Florentino does not, Mourinho is happy to stay at Benfica and could even accept a new contract because Benfica are trying everything possible to keep him.
“From what I understand, Mourinho has been clear: he is waiting for Real Madrid. If Real Madrid arrive, he will be ready. If they change their mind, he could stay at Benfica. So that is the situation.
“Mourinho is saying in public what he feels, and again I consider him one of the best communicators in football ever. Real Madrid have activated the Mourinho operation. Now it is on Real Madrid, and specifically on Florentino Pérez, to decide the future of the manager.”
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