31 Jul 2026 07:01 BST |
5 min read
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Fabrizio Romano reveals Real Madrid’s latest transfer moves, Newcastle’s new manager, Manchester City’s goalkeeper plans and Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola.
Real Madrid hijack Carlos Espí move after Premier League interest
Real Madrid have moved quickly to replace Gonzalo Garcia following his departure to Fulham.
“Real Madrid have hijacked a move that looked destined for the Premier League,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“Two Premier League clubs, Hull City and Brighton, were ready to pay the release clause for Carlos Espi and were negotiating with the player’s representatives to bring the Levante striker to England.
“But after selling Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham, Real Madrid moved very quickly.
“The deal for Gonzalo Garcia is worth €40m, plus €2m in add-ons, with a 30% sell-on clause and matching rights included.
“Jose Mourinho informed Real Madrid in the morning that he still wanted another striker.
“Real Madrid immediately contacted Carlos Espi’s representatives and told them not to sign with either Premier League club because they wanted to enter the race.
“Espi wanted to wait for Real Madrid.
“An agreement with the player was completed in five minutes because there were no issues over the contract.
“After that came the medical, the contract signing and Real Madrid informed Levante late in the evening that they would activate the release clause.
“The hijack is complete and Carlos Espi is a new Real Madrid player.”
Yan Diomande next as Rodri talks continue
Real Madrid are not stopping with Carlos Espi and remain active on multiple fronts.
“The next signing will be Yan Diomande,” Romano confirmed.
“Sometimes in the transfer market there is a gentleman’s agreement where one club allows the other to complete another signing before announcing a deal. But believe me, the agreement is done. Yan Diomande will become a Real Madrid player in the next few days.
“The here we go is 100% verbally confirmed. The player still has to travel, complete his medical and sign the contract, but the verbal agreement is fully in place.
“For Rodri, conversations continue between Real Madrid and Manchester City and there have been fresh contacts.
“Many people ask why the deal is not happening immediately.
“Manchester City are not ready to accept Real Madrid’s €50m proposal because they believe other clubs could still enter the race.
“City want to wait a few more days before making a final decision.
“At the same time, the player’s wishes are very important.
“Other clubs can enter the race, but Rodri can decide where he wants to go.
“We all know about Rodri’s desire to move to Spain, so this remains an important situation to follow.”
Fulham complete double Real Madrid deal
Real Madrid are also busy completing outgoing transfers.
“Gonzalo García is joining Fulham for €40m, with €2m in add-ons, a 30% sell-on clause and matching rights included in the agreement,” Romano said.
“Another player heading to Fulham is midfielder Cesar Palacios. As revealed exclusively on this channel several days ago, Fulham were negotiating for him.
“Como also wanted the player, but Palacios is going to Fulham.
“The agreement is worth €10m and also includes a 30% sell-on clause and matching rights.
“Real Madrid have been extremely busy with both arrivals and departures.”
Liverpool maintain Bradley Barcola talks with PSG
Liverpool remain determined to sign Bradley Barcola despite the complexity of negotiations.
“Contacts continue between Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and the player’s representatives,” Romano said.
“The key point is the transfer fee. There will be no problem regarding the player’s contract, personal terms or the project. Bradley Barcola is very keen on Liverpool and is excited by the move.
“The discussions are continuing, but Liverpool will need to make a significant financial investment.
“The club must determine how much they are willing to pay PSG before the deal can happen.
“Nothing is imminent. There has been talk of a bid being prepared, but this is not the main issue.
“Liverpool want Barcola and they will make a bid. The agreement with the player will also come. The real challenge is reaching a financial agreement with Paris Saint-Germain.
“That could take time because PSG have already lost several attacking players and are still completing other business.
“The French club also need time to secure replacements before allowing another important forward to leave.”
Manchester City close in on Rulli
Manchester City are close to completing another deal, this time for a backup goalkeeper.
“Geronimo Rulli is close to completing his move to Manchester City. As revealed yesterday, Rulli has now agreed personal terms with Manchester City and negotiations are ongoing with Marseille,” Romano confirmed.
“I think the deal can be agreed next week. There will probably be more discussions over the weekend, but the expectation is to enter next week and reach an agreement for Rulli to become Manchester City’s new backup goalkeeper.”
Newcastle appoint Matthias Jaissle as Al Ahli snubbed by Slot
“The big story from Newcastle is now a here we go. According to my information, Matthias Jaissle will travel on Saturday ahead of his unveiling as Newcastle’s new head coach.
“The deal is done. It is a four-year contract until June 2030 and everything is in place.
“I can also reveal that the compensation Newcastle will pay Al Ahli for Jaissle is €11m.
“Al Ahli are now in talks to appoint a replacement. There have been many rumours, so let me clarify the situation.
“At the moment, I am not aware of anything advanced or concrete involving Antonio Conte.
“I am told Arne Slot was approached, but according to my information he has no intention of moving to Saudi Arabia or taking an international job at this stage, despite links with the Netherlands national team.
“Slot wants to continue managing in European club football. After Liverpool and Feyenoord, he believes another opportunity at a top European club will come, whether that is in 2027 or later. His preference is to remain in one of Europe’s top leagues.”
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