This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive articles via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io
—
Cole Palmer leaving Man City was Pep’s biggest mistake
Burnley wanted Palmer on loan and Brighton were also interested in the player, but when Chelsea entered the race, it was impossible for other clubs to compete.
Palmer wanted to join Chelsea and Joe Shields played a crucial role in the deal as he knew Palmer from the Man City Academy.
He deserves huge praise for this move, and Palmer wanted to play on regular basis.
Time to go for Nacho… but where?
He doesn’t want to leave while he’s a sub, he wants to leave Real Madrid in a beautiful and good moment for the club and for him.
Inter are interested but it looks very difficult because Nacho wants to keep all options open – even from clubs outside Europe.
Nothing doing with Mo Salah at the moment
On his current form, I think it can happen sometimes not to be in best shape… but that’s football.
I’d never criticise a player like Salah who made history for Liverpool and he’s been crucial again and again including during this season.
Jason Wilcox deal agreed weeks ago
Wilcox only wanted Manchester United, believing this is a fantastic project for present and future.
Now for Man United their next priority is Dan Ashworth to complete the trio with Berrada and Wilcox.
Dortmund want to keep hold of Sancho
For Borussia Dortmund it’s been a magic season in Europe.
We know that Ian Maatsen is on loan from Chelsea and we’ll see what happens in the summer with his release clause set at £35m.
Jadon Sancho is also on loan from Manchester United, and the intention of Borussia Dortmund remains to keep the player at the club at the end of the season and to try to find a solution with Manchester United.
For United, money is coming because they already received a low fee for Sancho’s six-month loan, but part of the structure of the deal also included a payment linked to Dortmund’s progression in the Champions League.
Sancho is very happy because he’s starting, and he’s an important player in a group that he really, really appreciates.
Nagelsmann happy with German project
He had already discussed terms with Bayern but decided to continue with the German national team until 2026 as he’s very happy with the project, the players.
He believes that working long-term with this group can lead to excellent results, so he decided to stay and commit his future to Germany.
Zidane in the frame for Bayern job
Sticking with Bayern, well guys, they will discuss internally again about the manager’s position after Nagelsmann’s refusal, waiting to understand who will be the new front runner for the job.
There are a few names in the frame and it’s true that Zinedine Zidane has been discussed internally as an option.
There was a meeting to discuss managers and Zidane was mentioned, but it was weeks ago, nothing concrete since then.
Musiala to be offered new Bayern deal
It’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel’s side but for Jamal Musiala, if you remember guys, it was I think October, November when we heard strong rumours about Liverpool. I told you guys then and it’s always the same position – we have heard no words now about Manchester City interest or from Chelsea.
The reality is that guys, all the top clubs in the world, even from Spain, not just from England, they love Jamal Musiala.
Many top clubs are following one of the best players in the world. He’s a special talent and he’s out of contract in 2026, so it’s a kind of special situation for a player of this level.
Bayern insist they have no intention of losing the player in the summer as he’s a crucial player for their project. They’ll also make him a special proposal, a big contract in terms of salary – so the appreciation of the club is there.
A matter of time before Mbappé to Real is official
In February, he said he will leave the club at the end of the season, and everything is on track with Real Madrid.
It’s only considered a matter of time before the contracts are signed and then the saga will be over.
Now what’s important to say is that Mbappé wants to have a nice goodbye in a respectful way at the end of the season, and this is why the communication will be made jointly with PSG.