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Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on Estevao Willian, Michael Carrick and Julian Alvarez.

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Barcelona fined for Julian Alvarez conduct

Barcelona were heavily linked with a move for Julian Alvarez over the summer and while they were unable to finalise a deal with Atletico Madrid, they have now been fined by the Spanish FA.

“Let me start with the situation of Julian Alvarez, because there is an additional update: Barcelona have officially been fined by the Spanish Federation for their behaviour in the Julian Alvarez case,” transfer expert Romano said in his latest YouTube video.

“You probably remember Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window and the entire saga, when speaking with their CEO, Miguel Angel Marin. Atletico Madrid always said they were going to send clear messages to the federation and expose Barcelona over how they behaved in the Julian Alvarez case.

“On the other side, Barcelona always said they had behaved perfectly. They insisted they were not behind any kind of negative decision made by Julian Alvarez. So, those have always been the two positions.

“We also saw what Miguel Angel Marin said and then what Joan Laporta said. The Barcelona president repeatedly mentioned that they had simply made an official proposal and established contact between the two clubs. Laporta always maintained that Barcelona had behaved correctly, while Atletico Madrid said the opposite.

“Barcelona have now been fined, and according to the latest information, that fine is €602.

“Barcelona want to appeal, and it is not about the money. They want to appeal because they believe they behaved correctly and did nothing wrong during the saga.

“It is certainly a crazy story, because when we talk about these numbers, the fine is obviously very low and relatively small. At the same time, however, it is still a message from the federation to Barcelona.

“Meanwhile, do not forget that Julian Alvarez has changed his agent and apologised to the Atletico Madrid fans. That is a point we should always mention following the recent developments.”

Estevao transfer update

Estevao has been heavily linked with a Chelsea exit amid his lack of game time under Xabi Alonso and rumours of a January transfer have intensified after he was an unused substitute during the club’s Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.

But, Romano insists that a sale will not be sanctioned.

“In 2025, we all had the feeling, whether in the football world, among journalists, fans or people involved in the game, that Estavao was going to become a big name. He was on his way to becoming a major star, doing very well with Chelsea and also performing well with the Brazil national team. He is certainly an important player and a significant talent,” Romano said.

“Now, under Alonso, Estevao is not getting much game time. Many of you have been asking me again tonight, following the Liverpool game, why Estevao is once again not being considered a crucial part of the team by Alonso.

“Many of you are asking what is happening and whether he could already leave during the January transfer window.

“There are two quick points to make about Estevao, guys. The first is that Alonso responded after the game. He said he knows Estevao could be happier at the moment and that he is probably not the happiest person on earth. At the same time, however, he has had an injury and needs to recover properly. It is not always easy in English football, especially with this kind of game. Alonso needs him to be 100 per cent ready, and his time and opportunities will come soon.

“So, that is the message from Alonso.

“On the other side, from the club's perspective, there is still no transfer alert at Chelsea. The club are not in a position where they feel they need to sell Estevao or find a solution for him in January. That is not the situation as things stand.

“Obviously, the next few months will be important when you have a player as young as Estevao. Giving him time and allowing him to develop are important. He needs to play. He has to play. This is a special talent.

“Alonso’s point is also about the competitions. Chelsea do not have European football, and they are now out of the Carabao Cup. That means the number of games available is limited, and that is another factor.

“At the moment, however, there is no alert or immediate move at Chelsea to find a solution for Estevao in January. November, December, January and the following months will obviously be important in making sure Estevao is really happy at the club.”

Christian Pulisic signs new AC Milan contract

Christian Pulisic has been tipped to leave AC Milan in recent months, but he has now reached an agreement over a new contract, as confirmed by Romano.

“Just quickly, former Chelsea player Christian Pulisic is signing a new contract at AC Milan,” the transfer reporter revealed. “This is important news in Italy and the United States, because Pulisic is signing a new deal until June 2031.

“The new contract is done, with five more years at AC Milan. This is obviously important news for Ruben Amorim, chairman Gerry Cardinale and Pulisic himself, who is one of the crucial players in the AC Milan squad.”

Michael Carrick sack latest and Bruno Fernandes update

Manchester United have decided against sacking Michael Carrick following their 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Sunday, and Romano has revealed that he will remain in the dugout to face Chelsea this weekend.

“They have decided to keep Michael Carrick in charge, at least for the game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Then we will see what happens next,” Romano confirmed.

“Let me clarify a few things about Man Utd, guys. The first point is that Michael Carrick had a direct, face-to-face conversation with Bruno Fernandes.

“Bruno played zero minutes against Bournemouth. Do not forget that Bruno was on the pitch against Leeds United last week, when Man Utd lost. Bruno then gave an interview after the game and made some strong comments about tactics, the pressing and other aspects of the team's performance. So, there was a degree of criticism.

“Then Bruno was left on the bench against Bournemouth and played zero minutes. He warmed up for 10 or 15 minutes before returning to the bench. The Man Utd captain played no part in a crucial game for the club during a very difficult moment.

“Michael Carrick then spoke to Bruno, and the situation between them has been clarified. Bruno is therefore expected to feature against Chelsea. We will see whether he starts or not, because that decision depends on the coach. But Bruno is now 100 per cent ready and available.

“Obviously, if you ask me about the long term, that is a different story. His contract, his long-term future and what is going to happen with Bruno next summer are separate matters. For now, the situation regarding the next game has been clarified, and the meeting has taken place.”

Man Utd injury update

“There is more to say about Man Utd,” Romano added. “Kobbie Mainoo is back in training, so he will be available against Chelsea. That is important news because Mainoo really likes Michael Carrick.

“If you talk about players who genuinely want to fight for the coach and help him, Mainoo is certainly one of them. He is not the only one, either. Carrick still has many players on his side.

“Of course, not every player necessarily considers Michael Carrick the only person who can save Man Utd. That is normal at every club. Some players are happy with the coach, while others may not feel quite as strongly about him.

“But when we talk about players who really like Michael Carrick, Kobbie Mainoo is certainly one of them.

“Obviously, Carrick saved Mainoo's career at Man Utd last year, because without Carrick, Mainoo would probably have left the club on loan during the January 2026 transfer window. So, Mainoo is returning, and that is important news ahead of the game against Chelsea.”

However, Benjamin Sesko will not feature this weekend.

“Bad news for Man Utd regarding Benjamin Sesko. He is still dealing with an injury at the club,” Romano admitted.

“There is a feeling that if they rush Sesko's comeback now, whether in November or December, he could return to the pitch before he is fully ready. That would create a risk of another injury and could leave him out of action for a long time.

“The decision taken by Man Utd, together with Sesko's camp, is therefore to make sure he recovers in the best possible way. The process could take almost two months, meaning he is expected to return in January 2027, fully fit and ready.”