Latest news with #Romano
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fabrizio Romano Reveals Liverpool's Stance on Ibou Konate's Future
Liverpool's Konate Conundrum: Contract Talks Heat Up Amid Madrid Interest Liverpool are not just making moves in the transfer market, they are also trying to hold onto one of their most prized assets. As reported by renowned transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are continuing negotiations with Ibrahima Konate over a new contract, amid significant interest from Real Madrid. Romano revealed: 'I can tell you guys that they [Liverpool] are still not opening the doors for this summer for Ibrahima Konate to go to Real Madrid.' That much is clear. The club are actively trying to secure the 26-year-old's future, even while on pre-season duty in Hong Kong. The French international has become a key figure under Arne Slot, especially after a title-winning debut campaign for the Dutch manager. Real Madrid's Silent Pressure Despite no formal bid being submitted, the threat from Real Madrid feels real. Romano added: 'Real Madrid really like the player, he's really appreciated internally… but at the moment there is no bid to Liverpool because they are not opening the doors to an exit.' This is a familiar tactic from Madrid. They often apply indirect pressure before launching formal moves, particularly when a player is nearing the final stages of their contract. With Konate's deal set to expire next year, Liverpool's urgency is understandable. Back in late 2024, talks between Liverpool and Konate's representatives seemed promising. Romano recalls: 'They were close around October, November, then the story changed with Konate and his agents.' Now the mood has shifted again, with Liverpool reportedly making a fresh offer on 'better terms' according to French outlet Footmercato. Key Timing Ahead of New Campaign The timing of this latest development is vital. With the Premier League season just weeks away, Liverpool want clarity — and ideally commitment — from Konate. His importance cannot be overstated. As one of the few senior centre-backs available, especially one with Premier League, Champions League and international experience, losing him on a free would be a significant blow to Liverpool's squad building. For now, 'Liverpool still hope to try and reach an agreement with Konate in the next months,' said Romano. But if the player refuses to commit soon, the club may face a tough decision: sell now or risk losing him for nothing next summer. Ekitike Link Adds More Context In a curious subplot, Konate's French teammate Hugo Ekitike has just joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 22-year-old forward is expected to settle in quickly and will lean on Konate to help him acclimate. Keeping Konate may not just be a footballing decision, but also one that supports broader squad harmony. His influence in the dressing room and ability to help integrate new players like Ekitike only adds weight to Liverpool's efforts to retain him. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis As Liverpool supporters, we're hopeful this all points to the club doubling down on keeping Konate long-term. His injury record has raised eyebrows in the past, but when fit, he's a dominant force — pace, power, technical quality, and a natural leader emerging with every season. Letting him leave, especially to Real Madrid, would feel like a step backward. We've already seen murmurs around Trent Alexander-Arnold being a long-term target for them, and the idea of another key player heading to the Bernabeu is a troubling prospect. With Arne Slot already proving himself by winning the Premier League in his first season, the next evolution of this team must be about continuity and commitment. Players like Konate should form the spine of the squad moving forward. Rewarding him with a contract that reflects his value would send a clear message about Liverpool's ambitions. There's still time, but these next few weeks will be pivotal. If the offer is fair, we believe Konate will stay. Let's hope the club's persistence pays off — because losing him now would be both avoidable and unnecessary.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Exciting Italian restaurant to take over Glasgow unit
Malocchio is preparing to open in the old Mediterraneo site on Ingram Street. The eatery's name is the deeply ingrained Southern Italian superstition around the evil eye and its logo is Il Corno, a horn believed to deflect the negative intentions of others and bring positivity, love and good living. Romano Perella(Image: Supplied)Owner Romano Perella said: 'This is really exciting for us. Malocchio is the first concept I've personally created from scratch, which has helped shape the positive feeling around it all. 'For us, Malocchio is all about positivity, about negativity bouncing off the shield of good vibes so none of the bad stuff in life gets to you. 'I want it to be a sanctuary, an escape from your daily life and problems, from the world and the negative energy – inside it's all smiles and that sigh of truly relaxing for whatever time you can take." Malocchio will serve small plates, aimed at three dishes per person with house-made, fresh pasta in the spotlight. Planned interior (Image: Supplied) READ NEXT: Popular Italian restaurant announces closure - here's what's next Romano continued: 'The food is at the very heart of it all so that's the key – everything freshly made on site and totally looking to that rich culture and tradition I grew up with for inspiration. 'I'm not reinventing the wheel – this restaurant is showcasing the amazing heritage Italy has given me, using all I have learned to create something genuinely new and different. 'It's grown from family and tradition but presented in a modern way that's still respectful to the old ideas. 'Ultimately, this is a very modern take on Italian cuisine, which isn't available in Glasgow at the moment. 'That's what the name and the concept are about – and it doesn't matter if you believe in superstition or not, you will believe in our food." The restaurant is scheduled to open late August. (Image: Supplied) The owner added: "I'm excited to show people what we are building in terms of the room itself, transforming the former Mediterraneo completely. You won't believe it's the same place. 'But also what we are building as a concept with a real social feel, a relaxed, modern dining experience with superb cocktails, wines and of course a style of food that you just can't get in the city at the moment. 'I hope Glasgow loves Malocchio – it's very special to me and I want it to be a real experience, something people look forward to as a break from real life.'
Business Upturn
6 days ago
- Sport
- Business Upturn
Marcus Rashford to join FC Barcelona on loan, medical scheduled for next week; Report
In a major development during the summer transfer window, Manchester United have reportedly agreed to send England international Marcus Rashford on loan to Spanish giants FC Barcelona. As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement is already in place between the two clubs, with final details regarding the player's salary and option-to-buy clause now sorted. According to Romano, the loan deal includes a buy option, giving Barcelona the opportunity to sign Rashford permanently at the end of the loan spell. The Catalan club has already started planning for the player's medical, which is expected to take place next week. Advertisement United are expected to give Rashford the green light to travel to Spain shortly, with Barça director Deco managing the final stages of the deal. New Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has also reportedly approved the move. Crucially, Romano reports that Rashford has been keen on a move to Barcelona since January, reinforcing the player's long-standing interest in donning the Blaugrana colors. This transfer could mark a turning point in Rashford's career following a challenging season at Old Trafford. For Barcelona, it's a significant step toward rebuilding their attacking lineup ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Borussia Dortmund pose transfer threat for Manchester City in midfielder chase
Manchester City are facing a fresh threat over their pursuit of Norwegian midfield talent Sverre Nypan, according to reports from Germany. Even with an agreement reportedly in place, competition is never far away, and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are now said to be testing Manchester City's resolve in one of their priority youth targets. City have long made it an important task to snap up elite youth prospects early in their development cycle, a strategy that has brought in top names from South America in particular during recent windows. The idea from within the Etihad Stadium is clear: acquire early, develop internally or via loan moves elsewhere in Europe, and avoid the inflated price tags that follow a breakout campaign in one of Europe's top-five leagues. That model appears to be in motion once again in their pursuit of Sverre Nypan — an 18-year-old sensation from Norway who has been on Manchester City's radar since the most-recent winter market. The teenage midfielder, who is already a regular for Rosenborg in Norway's top-flight, is highly regarded for his technical prowess, composure, and vision — traits that make him an ideal candidate for Manchester City's developmental pipeline. But according to the information of German newspaper Bild, as translated and relayed by Get German Football News, City are now facing competition from Borussia Dortmund for the in-demand midfielder. It is claimed that the Bundesliga giants have been actively pursuing the 18-year-old's signature for 'a number of months', and while a move for the player is expected this summer, it remains to be seen who will ultimately come out on top in the race for his signature. In early June, David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that City had reached an agreement with Rosenborg for a transfer fee of £12.5 million, with no sell-on clause or additional contingencies attached — a sign of the Premier League side's determination to move swiftly. Contract terms have also reportedly been offered to the midfielder, with a deal running until 2030 on the table. But with Borussia Dortmund still lurking — and their reputation for developing young players well established — the door may not be entirely closed. Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano offered a deeper insight into City's strategy for the youngster. 'This is a massive one,' Romano stated last month. 'Let's say Manchester City believe this could be the European Franco Mastantuono, in the sense of a top talent available at a good price… Nypan is going to Manchester City. He will go on loan immediately.' Interestingly, while Girona have been the obvious City Football Group destination for recent loanees at City, Romano claimed the Norwegian playmaker is unlikely to join the La Liga outfit — leaving questions over where his development will be staged next season. Looking ahead, City now face a delicate balance. While they appear to have wrapped up the logistics of the transfer, the ongoing interest from Borussia Dortmund may still influence the player's final decision. Nypan and his representatives could yet be swayed by the Bundesliga's track record of integrating young talent into senior teams more quickly than Manchester City — especially if a clearer first-team pathway is on offer. With pre-season set to get underway later this month and City already involved in negotiations for multiple outgoings, the Nypan deal could still produce late twists. But if all goes to plan, fans may soon see another elite teenage name join the club's ranks.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
⚠️ Real Madrid and Benfica reach agreement for Álvaro Carreras
Real Madrid is on the verge of closing a new signing for its defense after yesterday's debacle in the Club World Cup. According to an exclusive revelation by transfer specialist journalist Fabrizio Romano, the white club has reached a verbal agreement with Benfica to incorporate young Spanish full-back Álvaro Carreras. "EXCL: Álvaro Carreras to Real Madrid, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between Real and Benfica", Romano posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, giving the green light to an operation that has been carefully negotiated between the two entities. Advertisement The agreement contemplates the payment of 50 million euros million euros, although not in a single payment. Romano has specified that Real Madrid has managed to modify the initial single payment clause, and will pay the amount in several installments. This allows the whites to maintain greater financial flexibility while strengthening their squad with one of the most promising defenders in European football. Carreras, 22, has shone at Benfica this season, consolidating himself as one of the key pieces in the Lisbon team's defense and gaining notoriety in the European scene. The signing represents a bet on the future by Real Madrid, which continues with its policy of incorporating young talent with a future, following recent successes such as those of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler. Advertisement This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 MIGUEL RIOPA - AFP or licensors
