Fabrizio Romano retirement hint follows growing scrutiny over transfer coverage

Ian Herbert has spoken to clubs, agents and players about Fabrizio Romano’s methods, amid growing criticism that the transfer specialist now places greater emphasis on speed, reach and creating impact than on verifying information.

Romano, famous for his “Here we go!” catchphrase, has built a huge audience through frequent updates across social media. But Herbert says the checking of transfer information is increasingly being neglected and, in practice, is no longer treated as especially important.

The volume of Romano’s posts, some of which are considered insignificant by those involved, is reportedly beginning to frustrate clubs and individuals. One recent example cited by Herbert is the move of FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo to Liverpool, which Romano discussed 13 times on X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube before the transfer was completed this week.

Romano has also faced criticism over a series of alleged errors as he seeks to break transfer news before his rivals. Last month, he reported that Yan Diomande’s transfer from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid had been completed.

The Ivorian’s agents denied the claim. Romano subsequently became involved in a public and embarrassing dispute on social media with German journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Herbert’s report also raises concerns about the way Romano may be used by agents and intermediaries. It suggests that, by passing information to him, clubs can be placed under pressure as social media attention and speculation intensify.

That has contributed to a growing number of football clubs deciding not to speak to Romano, according to the report. Atletico Madrid was among those to mock him recently in a post on X, saying: “Clubs don’t see him as a journalist, but simply as an annoying influencer.”

The Daily Mail has also highlighted Romano’s commercial interests, reporting that he earns millions through advertising contracts. During the World Cup, he was sponsored by McDonald’s.

One particular video drew attention because Romano appeared to speak unusually positively about Saudi Arabia, a country that has faced widespread criticism over its human rights record.

The Daily Mail reported that Romano was paid a substantial amount for the content. Shortly after the video was published, a supposedly “spontaneous” meeting between Romano and Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia was leaked.

According to the newspaper, episodes of that kind are increasingly damaging Romano’s credibility and have intensified questions about the relationship between his reporting and commercial work.

However, the Daily Mail’s strongly worded article has itself attracted criticism online. One social media user wrote: “Traditional media are afraid of journalists like Romano. They have lost all their scoops. That is why they are now trying to destroy him.”

Romano added another unexpected development earlier this week when he wrote on LinkedIn that he would “probably retire” after the transfer window closes.

“It is time to adopt a different approach, a different perspective…” he posted, without explaining what prompted the message.

The comment surprised both friends and critics, although Romano has not confirmed that he will definitely leave transfer journalism.