Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Trent to Liverpool truth, Fermin latest, Carrick sack update
Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fermin Lopez and Michael Carrick.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's latest
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a return to Liverpool in recent days, but Romano has downplayed such rumours.
“I wanted to start with Real Madrid because there are plenty of questions regarding the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Romano said in his latest YouTube video.
“Why has Trent's name come up in the press, in transfer rumours and in the latest reports over recent days? In the three games before today's match between Real Madrid and Racing Santander, Jose Mourinho decided not to play Trent Alexander-Arnold or even Denzel Dumfries, opting instead to play Fede Valverde at right-back in crucial games for Real Madrid. Real Madrid won all three games.
“Fede Valverde did a fantastic job at right-back. Naturally, his performances led to Trent Alexander-Arnold's name coming up in the media.
“Maybe Trent could leave Real Madrid in January. Maybe he could move during the January transfer window. He is not playing, he is not happy, and all these kinds of stories have started circulating.
“The reality behind the scenes, guys, is quite different. First of all, let me clarify that the links between Trent and Liverpool regarding a potential comeback are completely out of the picture. Liverpool have never started any kind of concrete or serious conversation about bringing Trent Alexander-Arnold back to the club. That is the first point.
“Secondly, regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially returning to the Premier League or leaving Real Madrid, that is not something Trent is planning for the January transfer window. Real Madrid are not planning for that either.
“So, at the moment, Trent and Real Madrid plan to continue together at least until the end of the season. In reality, the feeling from both sides is that they want to continue together in the long term.”
Romano continued: “When Trent decided to leave Liverpool as a free agent and join Real Madrid, it was a big decision, a strong decision. We know how significant the consequences were, particularly in terms of the impact in England. But at the same time, Trent is convinced about Real Madrid, and Real Madrid are convinced about Trent.
“Obviously, it can take some time. Last season was not particularly fortunate, also because of injuries. It was a difficult season in general at Real Madrid, not just for Trent.
“This season, obviously, Fede is doing very well. There is also Denzel Dumfries, who is a completely different type of right-back, more defensive compared to Trent.
“However, Trent played against Racing Santander, and he did very well. Jose Mourinho came out in the press and said he was very happy with Trent. He explained that when you do not play for a long time and then demonstrate your qualities in this way, it is a positive sign.
“Those were very nice words from Jose Mourinho. At the moment, they are completely aligned. Real Madrid and Trent are on the same page.
“Obviously, every player wants to play. Top players want to be on the pitch, and Trent knows that he has to do even more to play regularly over the next weeks and months. But at the same time, there is still no transfer alert regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold.”
Fermin Lopez's rejects Man Utd
Fermin Lopez has emerged as a target for Man Utd in recent days, but he has confirmed that he has no interest in leaving Barcelona.
“Fermin Lopez, guys, is completely in love with Barcelona,” Romano revealed.
“Fermin Lopez is considered a crucial player by Barcelona, and he is very happy at the club. So, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, behind these stories about Fermin potentially leaving Barcelona.
“Regarding Manchester United, there is nothing happening at the moment. Who doesn't like Fermin, guys. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. His numbers are incredible. This is a special player. This is a top player. But there is absolutely nothing happening.
“Also, a few months ago, Barcelona agreed a new contract with Fermin, including a much better salary. So, they are all on the same page. Barcelona as a club, Deco, everyone at the club and Fermin.
“That is the situation. Everything is under control. Today, Fermín also spoke when asked about Man Utd and the Premier League. He said that he loves Barcelona and would love to retire at Barcelona.”
Michael Carrick’s Man Utd future
Romano has confirmed that Man Utd have decided to retain faith in Michael Carrick, despite their 2-0 loss to Chelsea.
“Michael Carrick is expected to be in charge against Roma,” the transfer expert admitted.
“Manchester United's intention is to trust Michael Carrick for these games. Obviously, let's see how things go against Roma, but the general intention is to trust Carrick for the upcoming matches.
“Then the international break is coming. So, obviously, there will be a longer period of time during which they can assess the situation and make a final decision regarding the managerial position.
“At the moment, the feeling at Man Utd is that Michael Carrick has very good chances of surviving this crisis and remaining in charge for the upcoming games.
“Then, the period around the international break is going to be important. They will assess all the options and possibilities, involving the owners, the directors and everyone at the club, before making a decision about the future of Man Utd.
“Obviously, the Champions League game against Roma is important for Manchester United. It is already an important game because they are not in an easy situation in the European competition either.
“Then it is important to mention that Roma are in fantastic form. They are basically winning almost every game in Serie A. They are unbeaten and doing fantastically well.
“So, this is going to be a tough game for Man Utd. Roma have also done very well in the Champions League so far. They then lost against Real Madrid, but look at the way they lost that game.
“They were still absolutely in the game and performing very well until the final 10 or 15 minutes. So, it is not going to be an easy match. It is going to be another test.
“But, in general, with the international break approaching, that is going to be the moment when Manchester United can properly assess the situation, unless something crazy happens again and they continue failing to win games over the coming weeks.”
Lisandro Martinez update
Finally, Romano provided an update on Lisandro Martinez’s future at Man Utd following his recent comments against the club’s hierarchy and his red card versus Chelsea.
“I am receiving many questions regarding Licha's future because Lisandro went very strongly against the Manchester United directors and the board after the Atletico Madrid game. Then Lisandro did not perform particularly well over the recent weeks, including the red card against Chelsea,” Romano said.
“So, it is not an easy moment for Lisandro Martínez in general. His contract runs until June 2027, meaning the end of this season. Man Utd have a club option to extend his contract until 2028, ensuring they do not lose any value in terms of the player's valuation.
“What is going to happen, guys. Will Man Utd exercise the option or not? Will they continue with Licha or not? What is going to be the future of Lisandro Martínez?
“The answer I am getting is that this month, over the next days and weeks, there will be direct contacts between Lisandro Martínez's camp and Manchester United to assess the situation and consider all the possibilities.
“Whether to exercise the option, whether not to exercise the option, whether he leaves the club or whether he stays. There will be discussions on several points, including his behaviour, performances, future and contract.
“So, talks are expected to follow regarding the future of Lisandro Martínez because this is going to be a big decision for Manchester United.
“Obviously, even if Licha leaves in 2027, we will see exactly when that happens, but it would mean that Man Utd would need a new centre-back for sure.
“That position has already been difficult for them because of the injuries and the problems they have experienced over recent weeks and months.
“So, obviously, this is going to be another big decision for Manchester United regarding Licha.”
