Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Joao Pedro contact, Camavinga to Man Utd, Mourinho confirmation
19 May 2026 10:03 BST |
7 min read
Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories ahead of this summer, including the latest on Joao Pedro, Eduardo Camavinga and Jose Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid confirmed
Jose Mourinho will leave Benfica this summer and a full agreement has been reached for him to become the new Real Madrid manager, as confirmed by Romano in his latest YouTube video.
“Jose Mourinho will be the new Real Madrid manager,” the transfer expert said. “Everything has been agreed between Mourinho and Real Madrid, with only the final contractual details being resolved before the agreement is officially signed.
“There could still be a small adjustment to the contract structure, but nothing significant. Discussions between the lawyers representing Real Madrid and Mourinho’s side have continued in order to finalise all documents later this week before making the announcement official.
“Everything is done. There is a verbal agreement, a handshake with Florentino Perez, and all parties are now preparing for the formal confirmation.”
Real Madrid plot defensive changes
Real Madrid are set to undergo several major changes this summer, with Dani Carvajal and David Alaba set to leave. However, Antonio Rudiger could be set to remain at the club.
“Real Madrid are preparing for several important changes in defence. The club want to continue with Antonio Rudiger, but under different contractual conditions compared to his current deal. Conversations are ongoing as they work towards reaching an agreement over a new contract,” Romano admitted.
“Dani Carvajal is leaving the club. I already reported that he was 99% likely to leave, and Mourinho has not changed that situation. Mourinho is not asking for Carvajal to stay, so the player will say goodbye to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
“Rudiger, meanwhile, has a strong chance of remaining at the club with a renewed contract. Dani Ceballos is also expected to leave, while David Alaba is set to depart as well. There will be many changes within the Real Madrid squad this summer.”
Eduardo Camavinga’s future at Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga has also been linked with a Real Madrid exit, amid rumoured interest from Manchester United, but the Frenchman has no intention of departing Los Blancos this summer,
“Many questions have arrived regarding Eduardo Camavinga and the rumours linking him with Manchester United and other clubs. There is no doubt that several clubs appreciate the player and are interested in him,” Romano confirmed.
“However, Man Utd have not started any official conversations with Real Madrid and have not made any approach for Camavinga at this stage. From what I understand, Man Utd currently have different priorities.
“Camavinga himself wants to stay at Real Madrid. He wants to fight for his place and continue as part of the project. He understands that this season has been difficult, especially with injuries and unfortunate moments, probably making it the toughest campaign of his career so far. Despite that, he does not want to give up. He believes difficult seasons are part of football, and he wants to respond by improving and proving his value again.
“Camavinga is still very young and remains fully committed to succeeding at Real Madrid. The club are not actively pushing him out or losing faith in him. At the same time, as always in the transfer market, everything depends on opportunities and potential offers. Should a major proposal arrive this summer, Real Madrid would consider the situation, but the player’s intention is currently very clear – he wants to stay.”
Meanwhile, fellow Real Madrid star Endrick has also been linked with an exit, but Romano has downplayed such speculation.
“Endrick is expected to remain at Real Madrid next season,” he revealed. “The club are very happy with the attitude he has shown, particularly during his experience in France with Olympique Lyonnais. Real Madrid believe he can become an important player for the future and expect him to be a significant part of the squad next season.”
Joao Pedro for Barcelona speaks
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has emerged as a top target for Barcelona in recent months, and although contact has taken place, a sale isn’t expected to be agreed.
“Barcelona have held contacts with people close to Joao Pedro because they appreciate the player very much. Barcelona rate him highly and are exploring different attacking options because the Julian Alvarez situation is currently blocked. Atletico Madrid are asking for a substantial fee, while several Premier League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested, making negotiations difficult,” Romano explained.
“Although Barcelona have spoken with Joao Pedro’s camp, Chelsea’s position is very clear. Chelsea consider Joao Pedro an important part of both the present and the future. They want him to remain at the club and believe he can become a crucial player under Xabi Alonso.
“Chelsea feel he performed well even during a complicated season and are convinced he can improve even further under the new manager. For this reason, Chelsea are determined to keep him.”
Inter want Curtis Jones
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has just one year remaining on his current contract, and a sale is a real possibility this summer.
Romano confirmed: “Inter remain strongly interested in Curtis Jones. The Liverpool midfielder is one of their priority targets for midfield, and he was already close to joining the Italian club during the January transfer window. The player was open to the move, but the deal collapsed because Liverpool did not want to let him leave midway through the season without signing a replacement.
“Inter are still monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to make another attempt for Curtis Jones. Liverpool’s valuation will be crucial because the midfielder is under contract until 2027 and is currently far from agreeing a new deal.
“Liverpool’s asking price will determine the timing and direction of negotiations, after which Inter will decide how to proceed. What is certain is that Inter appreciate the player and remain in contact with him.”
Liverpool end-of-season review
Finally, Romano revealed that Liverpool will assess their options ahead of this summer following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
“Liverpool will conduct an important end-of-season review involving the players, management and manager Arne Slot,” the transfer reporter said. “At the moment, Liverpool have not approached other managers, including Xabi Alonso, despite opportunities to do so. The club continue to insist that they want to move forward with Arne Slot as manager.
“The review will still be a crucial moment for the future of Liverpool Football Club because it will allow the owners and senior figures at the club to evaluate the direction they want to take.
“For now, the focus remains entirely on the next match, and Arne Slot has expressed his confidence about continuing as Liverpool manager. The club will wait until the end-of-season review before making any final decisions.”
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