21 May 2026 07:25 BST |
7 min read
Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid is edging closer, while there are also major updates involving Rodri, John Stones, Casemiro, Alessandro Bastoni and Marcus Rashford as another busy transfer window approaches.
Extra year for Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid
There has been a huge amount happening around managers in recent days, but the main focus remains on Jose Mourinho’s imminent return to Real Madrid.
“Now I can tell you that Mourinho’s contract at Real Madrid will include an extra year, so potentially valid until June 2029,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“The agreement has now been approved by everybody involved in the negotiations. The lawyers, Mourinho’s agency and Real Madrid have all approved the deal.
“The salary has already been agreed since the beginning of the week and it was also very clear that Mourinho immediately said yes to everything at Real Madrid.
“As I always told you, the here we go arrived on Monday and today I can confirm again that Mourinho is going to be the next Real Madrid manager.
“My understanding remains that Mourinho will travel to Madrid after Real Madrid’s game against Athletic Club.
“Mourinho will now take some time before opening the doors to this new chapter at Real Madrid.
“Everything is done, everything is agreed and now the official statement will follow. Mourinho is ready for this return to Real Madrid.”
Rodri situation remains open
Mourinho is already plotting changes at Real Madrid, with Rodri reported to be his first signing during his second stint at the club.
Romano confirmed: “Rodri would like to go to Real Madrid one day. For sure, it is a possibility he would open the doors to.
“But this depends on what Real Madrid want to do. It’s not only the club now, but also Jose Mourinho, because together they have to decide what they want to do in midfield.
“For Rodri, the Real Madrid position has always been quite clear, even before Mourinho’s return. Real Madrid do not want to spend completely crazy money on Rodri. They know the player is out of contract in 2027.
“So if Real Madrid decide to proceed, and this also depends on Mourinho, then they want to do the deal for a normal transfer fee and not a Ballon d’Or kind of transfer fee.
“That’s not because Rodri is not worth that kind of money, but because of the contract situation.
“On the other side, Manchester City offered Rodri a new contract back in April and are still waiting for the player to decide. At the moment there is still no agreement between Rodri and Manchester City on salary or contract terms, so discussions are continuing.
“For sure, we have to follow the situation closely and understand what Rodri wants to do with Manchester City and what Real Madrid decide to do with Mourinho as the new coach.”
John Stones attracting interest
John Stones could leave Manchester City this summer, with several clubs informed of his situation.
“John Stones, as well as Bernardo Silva, is leaving Manchester City this summer on a free transfer. He has been offered to several clubs around Europe,” Romano said.
“He’s been offered to Bayern Munich because Bayern are expected to sign a centre-back this summer.
“He has also been offered to clubs in Italy, so there are Italian clubs considering the opportunity because he would arrive as a free agent.
“There is also a Premier League club considering the possibility to go for him.
“I think the Stones situation could become a very interesting one to follow.”
Casemiro close to Inter Miami move
One of the major stories developing is the proposed move involving Casemiro and Inter Miami.
“Today I can tell you that the agreement between Casemiro and Inter Miami on personal terms is almost done,” Romano said.
“A three-year contract is ready, the salary is agreed and Casemiro wants to go to Inter Miami.
“He likes the project, the club, the city and also the possibility to play with Lionel Messi after previously playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
“So Casemiro is ready to go to Inter Miami and he is excited about the move.
“Remember, Casemiro is available as a free agent after leaving Manchester United and now the final approval from MLS is needed to get the green light.
“Casemiro made his decision back in March and now negotiations on personal terms are very advanced.
“The agreement is almost complete and Casemiro to Inter Miami is now very, very advanced.
“Obviously this would be a huge signing because we are talking about a top player.
“Casemiro had a fantastic season at Manchester United, he is a legend at Real Madrid and he is also going to be involved with Brazil at the World Cup.
“He has been called up again by Carlo Ancelotti after his fantastic season at Manchester United.
“So now Casemiro’s direction looks to be MLS.”
Barcelona facing Bastoni difficulties
Barcelona and Inter Milan remain far apart in negotiations involving Alessandro Bastoni, who has been the Catalans’ leading central defensive target.
“Important to say that the Alessandro Bastoni deal is now completely frozen,” Romano confirmed.
“My understanding is that the Bastoni deal could collapse quite soon because Inter are not selling the player for €45m or €50m.
“At the same time, Barcelona are not prepared to spend €70m on a defender while they still need to add a striker, maybe a winger and cover more positions in the squad.
“So at the moment there is a big gap between Barcelona and Inter on the valuation of the player.
“For that reason, the Bastoni to Barcelona deal is currently on standby and could collapse.”
Marcus Rashford still wants Barcelona stay
Behind the scenes, discussions over Marcus Rashford and Barcelona are still ongoing.
Romano said: “Behind the scenes, contacts involving Rashford’s agents, Manchester United and Barcelona are continuing.
“So the Rashford deal is still ongoing between Barcelona and Manchester United.
“Manchester United insist on receiving €30m. Barcelona want to find better conditions and avoid paying the €30m immediately, so they are trying to be more creative with the structure of the deal.
“That has been the situation over the last few months, but the contacts are still ongoing because Rashford’s desire is to go to Barcelona and stay at Barcelona.
“Rashford has been very clear, both publicly and privately. According to my information, Rashford has made it clear to everybody involved that he wants to continue at Barcelona.
“Obviously now it is important to see whether the two clubs can find an agreement, but discussions are continuing behind the scenes. So while things may look quiet in the media, the contacts are still taking place as all parties try to find a solution financially for both clubs and the player.
“Rashford has already said yes to Barcelona and agreed personal terms with the club.”
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