Fabrizio Romano: Messi's new club, Mac Allister's Liverpool concern

9 Sept 2026 07:44 BST |
7 min read

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Fabrizio Romano reveals Lionel Messi’s latest club investment, Cristiano Ronaldo’s plans, James Rodriguez’s offer from Italy and Alexis Mac Allister’s Liverpool contract concerns.

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Messi makes another major move as he builds his football empire

Romano revealed that Lionel Messi has completed another club investment as he gradually prepares for life beyond his playing career.

“Lionel Messi is going to be the owner of another football club. After buying Cornella, which is a club in Catalonia, a few months ago, Lionel Messi has now closed the agreement to become the new owner of another club in the second division in Spain. It’s called Eldense,” Romano told his YouTube channel

“It’s a club with big ambitions and big projects, and Lionel Messi decided to invest and buy 100% of the stakes in the club. Eldense is going to make it public in the next hours and days, so we just wait for an official statement.

“But this is one more message sent by Lionel Messi for the future. We are entering slowly, obviously, because it’s not something immediate, but we are slowly entering into the future Messi era.

“Messi, in recent days, made some big decisions, obviously also affected by what happened personally. But Messi decided to retire from international football, to leave the Argentinian national team after making history. It’s been one of the breaking news stories of the final days of August.

“So, Messi decided to stop, and he will not be part of the Argentinian national team for the upcoming games, months and years, because the decision made by Messi is considered permanent.

“Those close to Messi don’t expect any change of scenario in case Messi has the possibility to return for the Copa America, the World Cup or whatever. Messi says stop.

“And Messi is starting serious investments into clubs. Cornella, Newell’s Old Boys, it’s going to be official soon, but the agreement is done. Messi is entering into a new era.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is following Messi with his own club plans

Romano also explained that Cristiano Ronaldo is pursuing a similar strategy after already investing in Spanish club Almeria.

“Something really similar is happening with Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo has already made an investment in Almeria,” Romano said.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has no intention to stop, because I’m told that Cristiano and his group are also working to find the best solutions possible for the future of the group, and to find the right clubs to invest in and bring the Cristiano model, the Cristiano mentality.

“So, things are happening in the future of these players, and they are preparing their future with investments, but also with plans and projects.

“It’s not just about investing; it’s also about bringing a model and bringing a mentality. That’s what Messi wants to do, and what Cristiano wants to do.

“So, get ready, because we are absolutely entering into that moment of their era.”

James Rodriguez has an offer from Italy’s second tier

Romano then turned to James Rodriguez, who is considering a return to European football after his recent spells in the United States and South America.

“James Rodriguez has a decision to make for his future,” Romano explained.

“James Rodriguez, according to my information, is tempted by a return to Europe after the recent experiences he had in Minnesota and also at Club Leon. So, he had experiences in the US and in South America, but James Rodriguez is tempted by the possibility of returning to Europe.

“He has a proposal from the second division in Italy. Avellino is a club from the second division in Italy. The coach is Alessandro Nesta, former AC Milan legend and Italian national-team legend, one of the best defenders Italy has ever produced. Now he’s a coach working at Avellino.

“So, they’re trying to pursue this dream. James also has other proposals. Now James has to decide whether he wants to stay in football or try to do something different.

“It’s going to be up to James to decide, but for sure it’s an interesting situation to follow, because with free agents, the market is always open.

“In this case, with James Rodriguez, a Colombian legend, it’s up to him to decide what’s going to be next.

“So, it’s going to be one to follow for sure in the next days and weeks.”

Mac Allister’s Liverpool contract frustration could lead to exit

Romano finished by examining Alexis Mac Allister’s comments about his Liverpool future and the possibility of leaving in 2027.

“Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, was very honest on Tuesday, mentioning his future, mentioning his situation and what happened. Mac Allister, in a press conference ahead of the Champions League debut under Andoni Iraola, said: ‘First of all, very good words for Iraola. We can be something special with him, the intensity.’

“So, he’s very happy with Iraola. You can see that, and it’s the reality. He’s not just saying that for the press; he feels very good with Iraola.

“But when it’s time to talk about the contract, he says: ‘I’m happy for Gravenberch. I’m happy for Szoboszlai. They are renewing their contracts. It’s beautiful to see my teammates getting a contract. But it’s also making me sad to see that the club is not offering me a new deal.’

“Because the reality is that Mac Allister was expecting to get the same treatment and to get a contract proposal from Liverpool. He didn’t get it.

© IMAGO – Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool

“And the reality is that Mac Allister says the truth when he says: ‘In the summer, I had the possibility to leave. I had the possibility to go.’

“It’s true. Mac Allister had several possibilities in Europe and beyond.

“There was a moment when the Enzo Fernandez deal was 50-50 between Manchester City and Chelsea. Some intermediaries were bringing to the table the possibility for Manchester City to go for Alexis Mac Allister, but he didn’t want to leave Liverpool.

“Then there were possibilities in Europe and outside Europe. So, Alexis Mac Allister had several possibilities, but he decided to stay at Liverpool. It’s true. What he’s saying is the reality.

“He’s a player always trying to find a solution. He’s in love with Liverpool. He spent very beautiful words in public: ‘I love the club. I love the city. I love the fans.’

“It’s true. He’s showing his attachment.

“At the same time, it’s also important to mention that if this new contract will not happen anytime soon, I would not close the doors to a potential exit for Alexis Mac Allister in 2027.

“I mean, likely in the summer, but if the new contract is not getting done in the next months, I think there is a possibility Alexis decides to leave before his contract expires at Liverpool.

“Because Alexis wants to feel important. He’s showing his love for Liverpool, but he wants to feel important. So, that’s going to be, for sure, an important story to follow.”