Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Manchester United chief executive officer Omar Berrada has an “excellent” dynamic with one linked player’s representatives.
Omar Berrada has been a key figure for the Ineos regime since British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe became the co-owner of Manchester United back in 2024.
The 48-year-old Moroccan businessman was a pivotal figure at Manchester City during his time at the City Football Group before he moved to Old Trafford.
Fabrizio Romano has now touched on the connection between former Barcelona and Manchester City figure Berrada and the agents of Roma midfielder Manu Kone.
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Fabrizio Romano on Omar Berrada and Manu Kone’s team amid Man Utd’s transfer interest in the Roma star
Manu Kone has been linked with Manchester United amid Ineos’ plan to overhaul the Red Devils’ midfield area ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
The 25-year-old France international, who has been away at the World Cup with Les Bleus this summer, is currently under contract with Serie A outfit until 2029.
Fabrizio Romano explained that there is a “very strong relationship” between Omar Berrada and Kone’s representatives, Excellence Sport Nation (ESN).
Posting on his YouTube channel, he said: “I made a reference to Manchester United on my English channel because the relationship between Manchester United’s executives — especially the club’s CEO, Omar Berrada — and Manu Kone’s agents is excellent. It’s a very strong relationship.
“As far as I’m aware, over the last few days — essentially during the past week, since the Ederson deal collapsed — Manchester United have been in contact with Kone’s representatives.
“They discussed the Roma and France international midfielder, so there have definitely been conversations.
“At the moment, however, Manchester United have not approached Roma. As of now, United have not made an offer and have not formally contacted Roma.”
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Fabrizio Romano reveals that Man Utd’s approach this summer means that a Manu Kone transfer could happen
Man Utd-linked Kone, who was loaned to Roma first from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024 before his permanent move in 2025, is valued at around £51m (€60m).
Romano admitted that the Red Devils are expected to take a much more effective approach to their transfer business this summer under the Ineos regime.
“But be careful, because Manchester United’s way of operating has changed this summer,” he added.
“In the past, their negotiations were slow, almost exhausting. This summer it’s been different: ‘How much does Andrey Santos cost? £50 million? £48 million?’ Done with Chelsea in two days.
“‘How much is Youri Tielemans? £35 million release clause?’ Paid, signed, medical completed.
“So United are moving very directly for the small number of targets they have. “That’s why they’re keeping a close eye on Manu Kone.”
Kone made 37 appearances across all competitions for Roma last season and the France midfielder netted twice and registered two assists for the Italian club.
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