In his latest update on X and YouTube (January 19-20, 2026), Romano declared the winter window’s key business wrapped up for several clubs, emphasizing that no further major deals are expected before the February 2 deadline. The biggest headline revolves around Doué, the 20-year-old Rennes sensation who had been heavily linked with Liverpool as a high-potential wide attacker or No.10 capable of adding flair and creativity to Arne Slot’s squad amid uncertainties over Mohamed Salah’s AFCON duties and long-term future.
Romano’s confirmation: “Désiré Doué to Paris Saint-Germain — agreement confirmed and here we go! Rennes will receive fee close to €60m after PSG got the green light from Doué two days ago. Medical tests booked on Thursday for Doué ahead of contract signing after PSG won the race vs Bayern.” This seals a move that had been brewing since summer 2025, when Doué chose PSG over other suitors (including initial Liverpool interest), but January speculation reignited due to his limited minutes behind Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and others at the Parc des Princes.
The breakthrough is a blow for Liverpool, who had monitored Doué closely as part of their attacking refresh strategy. The Ivorian-born Frenchman (naturalized and capped by France) impressed at Rennes with his dribbling, vision, and goal threat before his €50m+ move to PSG last year. Liverpool’s quiet January (focused on defensive stability and youth additions like Mor Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe for summer) meant no aggressive push materialized, allowing PSG to secure him long-term amid competition from Bayern Munich.
This closure aligns with Romano’s broader January wrap-up: limited blockbuster activity league-wide, with clubs prioritizing internal solutions or low-risk deals amid PSR pressures and mid-season challenges. For the Reds, it shifts focus to summer targets like Yan Diomande (Leipzig winger who prefers Liverpool) or Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund defender, boosted by rivals cooling off).
Fans in Lagos and worldwide have expressed mixed reactions on X—disappointment over missing Doué’s “extraordinary” potential (described as a “generational” talent by some pundits), but relief that the window ends without panic spending. Slot’s side remains unbeaten in 12 games despite domestic draws, with Wirtz and Ekitike shining recently. The Doué news underscores the competitive landscape: elite prospects like him command premium fees and quick resolutions, often favoring clubs with immediate playing time or project allure.
As the window shuts, Liverpool’s rebuild continues internally—Wataru Endo providing tactical fixes, youth integrations boosting depth—setting up a potentially explosive summer. Romano’s final word: January “done,” but the real fireworks await in 2026’s second half. High praise for Slot’s patience, but questions linger on attacking depth if Salah’s situation evolves. (Word count: 852)
