In his latest exclusive column for BenchWarmers, Fabrizio Romano provides the inside track at Man United, Barcelona, Chelsea, AC Milan and more…
Solskjaer situation and potential successors…
The situation of the managers is certainly the most important one to keep under control in the coming days. Manchester United have decided to give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer more time after the incredible, terrible defeat against Liverpool at Old Trafford. A negative historical night that led to the internal meeting in the club: the decision was to continue with Solskjaer, the majority of the board wanted to support him again but this time the results will be needed to not be sacked. The next three games will say a lot about Ole’s future. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson supported him with the other board members and protected him for the next games.
Antonio Conte on his part did not have official contacts with Manchester United: no negotiations, only the will of Conte to accept this possible job if Manchester were to decide to change manager. Antonio would change his mind in terms of not taking over during the current season only for Man United, a matter of tradition and conviction in considering this team ready to win immediately. A negotiation with Conte has not yet started from Manchester United; Brendan Rodgers, Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino are also very appreciated by the board but they are all busy with other clubs, so it is not easy to free them.
The return of Xavi, plus Barca transfer and contract updates…
Barcelona, on the other hand, are working to complete Xavi Hernandez’s appointment: the comeback of the former midfielder is really very close, Barça are preparing contracts and documents to be ready in the coming days. Xavi is expected to be Koeman’s heir but it is first necessary to complete the agreement with Al-Sadd to free him, a matter of respect and fairness. Xavi on his part has already said yes to the Barça project for the future after speaking with president Laporta.
Among the players monitored there is always Dani Olmo, star of RB Leipzig that Barça tried to buy already last Deadline Day: being able to find an agreement for January will be complicated, while work will soon be carried out on the contracts of Ousmane Dembélé, Gavi and Ronald Araujo.
Double Chelsea contract news…
These days important decisions will also be taken on some star player contracts: Toni Rudiger would like to stay at Chelsea but the economic proposal is still far from expectations, which is why FC Bayern, Real Madrid and even PSG are keeping tabs on the situation. Andreas Christensen, on the other hand, remains close to signing the new contract, despite the issues of the last few days.
Extensions galore in Milan…
AC Milan are working for Theo Hernandez to be awarded with a new contract, after Saelemaekers and Kjaer. Inter instead gave priority to Nicolò Barella after the signing of Lautaro Martinez: Barella will sign next week after the verbal agreement already reached for a 5-year contract, he will earn about 5 million a year.
The truth about Paul Pogba…
And Paul Pogba? His decision on the contract will not be based on Solskjaer, this is not the plan of the Frenchman who has always respected the coach. Paul wants to understand what is the right choice to make on a professional and personal level, Manchester United have offered him a new contract since last July but there has been no progress yet. Pogba hasn’t decided yet.