16 May 2026 13:53 BST |
6 min read
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has delivered several updates that will shape the coming transfer window at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Michael Carrick stays at Man Utd
Interim manager Michael Carrick will be retained as Manchester United’s permanent manager, Romano has announced.
“The final approval by Sir Jim Ratcliffe has arrived, and so Michael Carrick stays at Manchester United. Permanent manager. Here we go, confirmed,” he told his YouTube channel.
“Michael Carrick will put pen to paper and sign a two-year contract until June 2028, plus an option until 2029. The salary will be increased compared to the salary he has now as an interim coach. The backroom staff is being completed for season 2026-27.
“There are obviously going to be some updates on that because Manchester United will play one more competition next season, the Champions League, and obviously they’re very happy to do so.
“But it’s really important to confirm that Michael Carrick stays as permanent manager and will lead the Manchester United project into this return to Champions League football. So good luck to Michael Carrick.
“Again, an official announcement is expected soon. But I can tell you that everything is OK. Approved by Man United, already approved by Michael Carrick. Super happy to sign, so no problem at all with the contract.
“Carrick has always been very class on this, never creating any issues, any problem. And so now, time to put pen to paper.”
Mourinho to make Real Madrid return
Romano also delivered another update on a huge managerial story, with Jose Mourinho making his way back to Real Madrid.
“We can say that the agreement for Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid, I told you two days ago, is in the final stages. I told you everything about this story. I told you in March that Mourinho was open to that. I told you in April about the conversations, the negotiations, the operation, Jose Mourinho. I told you this week it is getting to the final stages,” Romano explained.
“And now the agreement, Jose Mourinho-Real Madrid, is really, really imminent.
“So we are waiting for the final approval by Real Madrid, and then it will be here we go – the return of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid.
“Mourinho has accepted absolutely everything. Remember when I told you here a few weeks ago there were reports of Mourinho wants this, Mourinho wants that, otherwise he’s not going to return to Real Madrid? Mourinho never created an issue. Never created any problem, according to my information, in the process of discussion and negotiation with Real Madrid, also thanks to his agent, Jorge Mendes, taking care of that.
“So now what we can say is that Jose Mourinho has accepted every single condition. No problem on the contract, no problem on the length, the salary. Jose Mourinho obviously wanted to understand the Real Madrid project, but Jose Mourinho is ready to put pen to paper and sign as the new Real Madrid head coach.
“So everything is ready for Mourinho, waiting for the final green light from Real Madrid, and then here we go, Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid is expected to be soon.”
Xabi Alonso: Chelsea or Liverpool?
The future of former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso appears balanced between Chelsea and Liverpool, though the Blues are being more pro-active in this case.
“A final decision is expected very soon on Xabi Alonso. Chelsea, I can tell you this, had a direct meeting with Xabi Alonso, not just with his representatives, but also with Xabi Alonso himself. So there has been a conversation,” Romano confirmed.
“Chelsea spoke to several managers: Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva. They had some conversations with their entourage, the agents, the representatives, the lawyers of these managers. But with Xabi Alonso, Chelsea had very productive talks.
“Now a final decision is expected soon. Today is FA Cup final day, and so we wait for that. But after that, any moment could be good for Chelsea to go close and seal the deal for their next head coach, with Xabi Alonso opening doors to a Premier League chapter a few days ago.
“And now Chelsea are prepared to make a final decision on who they want as their new manager. So I will also keep you posted on that.
“Liverpool have not activated the option for Xabi Alonso.
“Even after another disappointing defeat for Liverpool against Aston Villa, another poor performance, 2-0, 20 defeats for Liverpool this season, Liverpool, as of today, have not reached out to Xabi Alonso.
“As I always told you, if they do so, I will be here to tell you and we will tell you what’s going to happen. But as of today, Liverpool are yet to reach out to Xabi Alonso.
“So that remains the situation. Obviously, Champions League football is really important. Don’t forget there will be an end-of-season review at Liverpool. Don’t forget that. Champions League football is absolutely crucial. But at the moment, the situation with Arne Slot remains absolutely the same.”
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