Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Alex Scott to Chelsea, Bellingham agreement, Conte to Man Utd update
Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on Alex Scott, Jude Bellingham and Antonio Conte.
Real Madrid reach contract agreement with Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid are actively working on contract extension agreements with several of their biggest stars and they have now finalised a deal with Jude Bellingham, as per Romano.
The transfer expert told his YouTube channel: “The verbal agreement between Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid over a new long-term contract, valid for the next five years, is done and closed.
“What's missing now? They have to exchange all the documents between the lawyers on Bellingham's side and the club's side. Then, it will be time for the official ceremony to celebrate Jude Bellingham putting pen to paper, staying at Real Madrid and signing a new contract with the club.
“So, Jude said yes. Why did Real Madrid want to make it happen? Not just because of the salaries, as they want all the players to be happy. Vini had a new contract signed in the summer, now Bellingham, and we will talk about the others as well.
“But also because Real Madrid do not want to face any sort of risk over the next few years, with Premier League clubs jumping on Jude Bellingham and trying to tempt him with big money and big projects.
“Real Madrid believe Jude Bellingham is going to be a big part of their future for the next five years, and they are convinced he is going to be a leader. Jose Mourinho is also in love with Bellingham. The connection between them is amazing.
"So, Jude is staying at Real Madrid for five more years. We had links with Manchester United over the summer, but I told you that the new contract was done. The update I gave you over recent weeks is confirmed. It is done, just waiting for the official statement.”
Romano added: “Then, Thibaut Courtois is set to stay for one more season. This is about his age, and this is why all the other players are signing five-year contracts. We saw Vinicius Junior, and I was not mentioning Vini because his new contract is already official, but I am talking about those who still have to be announced.
“Bellingham, Raul and Courtois for one more season until 2028, as I exclusively reported two weeks ago. Real Madrid are very busy with contracts, working on so many deals. Four deals are almost done, so we wait for the announcements.”
Alejandro Balde to leave Barcelona?
Alejandro Balde has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona this season and it’s understood that a January sale could potentially be sanctioned amid strong interest from Barcelona.
“It has been confirmed that Balde's situation is not easy,” Romano said.
“[Hansi] Flick said that they have Joao Cancelo, who is doing amazing in that position. They also have Xavi Espart, who is doing amazing. Espart has also signed a new deal. So, obviously, Barcelona are well covered in that position.
“But then Flick said he is happy that Balde is working hard. He should not give up, and he should be available for when they need him.
“Obviously, guys, Balde was already a potential player for sale in the summer. It was not Balde who wanted to leave Barcelona in the summer. Balde wanted to stay and continue. The question was whether Barcelona, as a club, were open to selling him.
“Then, there was no right solution. Man Utd called, but there was no right solution. Let's see what happens in January because Man Utd were interested, but the conditions of the deal were very difficult.
“Barcelona were only considering a permanent exit for big money, and the salary was also a topic. Man Utd still need a left-back.
“More clubs are tracking Balde. His agent is Jorge Mendes, who is in contact with several clubs on a weekly basis about opportunities. So, the Balde situation is definitely one to watch again.
“If he is not going to play, this could be a situation to watch over the next few months. I would say in 2027 because it could be January or the summer, depending on the opportunities. This is not a cheap player. This is not an easy deal to do. Balde is young and talented, so obviously, it is not an easy situation to clarify.”
Romano continued: “Then, there will definitely be more clubs interested. For example, I keep mentioning Liverpool. Arsenal invested in Bruno Guimaraes in the summer, and they are very happy with their player.
“Let's see what is going to happen with Liverpool in midfield. They sold Curtis Jones in the summer transfer window to Tottenham, but they did not sign any other midfielder.
“So, we have to track and follow the situation of Alex Scott, with Chelsea being very interested and in regular contact with people close to the player. This is definitely a situation to follow over the coming months.”
Bournemouth open to selling Alex Scott
Bournemouth were initially reluctant to sell Alex Scott during the January transfer window, but they have now relaxed their stance following lengthy talks with his representatives.
“After a number of meetings, not just one, between Alex Scott's agents and Bournemouth, the decision of the club is to change their stance in the January transfer window,” Romano confirmed.
“In the summer, Chelsea tried twice to sign Alex Scott. Arsenal called before signing Bruno Guimaraes, and Liverpool called to understand the situation without submitting a bid. All the top English clubs were trying to understand the situation.
“Chelsea were the most aggressive, and Bournemouth told all these clubs that the player was not for sale. The player was going nowhere.
“Then, Bournemouth wanted Alex Scott to sign a new contract, but there was no agreement. Now, Bournemouth are open to selling Alex Scott already in the January transfer window.
“So, Scott leaving in January is a genuine and serious possibility. Again, this depends on the proposal. Sources close to Bournemouth believe it has to be a minimum of £100 million. It has to be big money in order to open the door.
“Let me clarify that Bournemouth are not putting the player up for sale in the January window. It is that Bournemouth could be open to selling if the bid is a good bid, an important bid, and if the player wants to go. These have to be the conditions.
“Chelsea are still there. Chelsea like the player, Chelsea love the player. So, Chelsea are maintaining a genuine interest in Alex Scott. He is a player they are absolutely keeping on their shortlist.”
Romano continued: “Then, there will definitely be more clubs interested. For example, I keep mentioning Liverpool. Arsenal invested in Bruno Guimaraes in the summer, and they are very happy with their player.
“Let's see what is going to happen with Liverpool in midfield. They sold Curtis Jones in the summer transfer window to Tottenham, but they did not sign any other midfielder.
“So, we have to track and follow the situation of Alex Scott, with Chelsea being very interested and in regular contact with people close to the player. This is definitely a situation to follow over the coming months.”
Antonio Conte to Man Utd update
Finally, Romano provided a clear update on Antonio Conte amid significant rumours that he will soon replace Michael Carrick as the Man Utd manager.
“On Antonio Conte, from Italy, we have reports suggesting that Conte is already in agreement with Man Utd, or that he has already given his word to Man Utd in case they decide to replace or sack Michael Carrick. My understanding is that Antonio Conte has no agreement with any club,” Romano stated.
“Conte is always an attractive option when it comes to managerial opportunities. The big news, as I told you over recent weeks, is that this year, compared to the past, Antonio Conte could be open to taking a top job in the middle of the season.
“So, Conte could be open to the right opportunity this season, even if it is not at the end of the season. He could be open to starting a new cycle in the middle of the season. That is the update.
“But saying that Antonio Conte already has an agreement with Man Utd, as some reports in Italy are suggesting, and that he is not going to Juventus, is not going to AC Milan and is not going anywhere because he already has an agreement with Man Utd, is not true.
“Conte has no agreement in place. He is open to opportunities and open to starting again. Conte rejected a huge financial proposal from Saudi Arabia, but he is not closing doors or finalising any agreement with any club yet.”
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