Fabrizio Romano drops afternoon Man Utd bombshell after Leon Goretzka transfer news

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Stretty News

·31 January 2026

Fabrizio Romano drops afternoon Man Utd bombshell after Leon Goretzka transfer news

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United are not in advanced negotiations for Leon Goretzka for a January transfer.

The Germany international has decided to stay put at Bayern Munich for the remainder of his contract (expiring in the summer) with the reigning Bundesliga champions.

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Sources close to the club have confirmed the 30-year-old wants to finish the season on a high and win further silverware with Vincent Kompany’s men.

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Manchester United not advanced for Leon Goretzka

(Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

The reality remains that Manchester United will be pushing hard to bolster the midfield options – thanks in no small part to Casemiro’s impending departure.

With that in mind, United fans could be forgiven for thinking Goretzka would make an astute signing to replace the experience in the squad.

“Leon Goretzka will leave Bayern in the summer as a free agent, but he’ll have plenty of options,” the Italian journalist spoke on his eponymous YouTube channel.

“My understanding is that Man United will go very big for midfielders in the summer – they could sign one, maybe two, midfielders in the summer transfer window, as Casemiro is leaving.

“At the moment, I’m not aware of anything advanced for Goretzka. He’ll have many options; Atletico Madrid wanted him in this January window, and he could be back. [There are also] Italian clubs, English clubs, German clubs. Goretzka will have plenty of possibilities.”

Leon Goretzka could be a no-brainer for Old Trafford move

Available for free and possessing over 450 appearances at a senior level across Bundesliga clubs, Goretzka would instantly cover the loss of European and top-flight experience with Casemiro’s departure.

* A snapshot of Casemiro and Leon Goretzka’s playing stats (Transfermarkt)

Of course, with the German set to turn 31 this February, this would be very much a signing with the short-term view in mind.

Fabrizio Romano says Man Utd want ‘really important’ signing(s)

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Romano went on to add: “Manchester United are going for really important options in midfield, probably younger players than Goretzka.

“So, keep an eye on United and midfielders in 2026, because they are really going to do something important in midfield.”

Interim head coach Michael Carrick has already hinted that the Red Devils may look bolster their squad in the immediate future.

But with investment set aside for the midfield, one might suspect that any potential incoming in the winter will be designed to bolster one of the forward or defensive lines.

Is Carlos Baleba the really important Man Utd signing in waiting?

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba – heavily linked with Manchester United in the summer – would be one obvious port of call.

The Seagulls midfielder’s form has admittedly suffered in the 2025/26 campaign, but there can be no disputing the fact that the 22-year-old would be an attractive option to help make United’s midfield tick.

Taking the Cameroonian star’s 2024/25 season as an indication of what he could achieve in the north of England, the footballer excelled in defensive work rate.

Casemiro’s legs, understandably, aren’t what they once were. So, ensuring that the midfield three gains a bit of teeth and mobility must be a priority.