Fabrizio Romano Lifts the Lid on His Transfer Secrets: “Sometimes, It’s the Players Themselves in My DMs”

In the world of football transfers, very few names carry the same weight as Fabrizio Romano. Known universally as the “Here we go” man, Romano has built a career—and a reputation—on breaking some of the biggest transfer stories in world football before anyone else.

But how does he do it? How does one journalist consistently beat major outlets, agents, and clubs to the punch? Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Romano admitted that his sources are far wider-reaching than most people imagine—and, surprisingly, that players themselves often slide into his direct messages to feed him information or clarify rumors.

The Rise of a Transfer Titan

Romano began his career in Italy, reporting for Sky Sport Italia. His big break came when he began accurately reporting on transfer stories involving Serie A clubs. Soon, his accuracy and reliability propelled him onto the global stage.

With the growth of social media, especially Twitter (now X) and Instagram, Romano’s reputation soared. Fans flocked to him not just for information but for reassurance. The now-iconic phrase “Here we go” became synonymous with a deal being officially done.

Today, Romano boasts millions of followers across platforms, and even top players, managers, and executives are known to keep tabs on his posts.

How the Stories Really Come In

While many assume Romano’s main sources are agents and club directors, he revealed that the reality is more complex—and sometimes more surprising.

“People think I only speak with agents and directors, but that’s not true. Yes, agents are a big part of the job, but sometimes it’s the players themselves who write to me. They want their story out, or they want to correct something false that’s spreading.”

This revelation adds a new dimension to how fans view transfer reporting. Not only is Romano chasing leads, but in some cases, the leads are coming directly to him.

Players in His DMs

Romano explained that direct messages from players are more common than people think.

Sometimes, it’s a young player trying to boost visibility by confirming interest from certain clubs.
Other times, it’s a frustrated footballer setting the record straight after a false report.
In rare cases, it’s a superstar discreetly testing the waters about how their situation might be perceived if it went public.

“I can’t say names, of course, but it happens. One time, a player wrote to me directly: ‘Fabrizio, it’s true, I’m leaving. Please don’t say yet, but be ready.’ Imagine that—you’re speaking with the person at the centre of the deal. It’s crazy.”

The Balancing Act of Trust

Of course, handling this kind of sensitive information requires discretion. Romano is well aware that breaking trust could end his career.

“It’s all about respect. If a player tells me something in confidence, I won’t publish it until they’re ready. That’s why people trust me—I don’t rush just to be first, I wait until it’s 100% confirmed.”

This discipline has been a cornerstone of Romano’s brand. In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly online, his accuracy has kept him above the noise.

Agents, Clubs, and the Network

Romano also emphasized that while players’ DMs can be revealing, the bulk of his work still involves traditional sources: agents, intermediaries, club officials, and even family members.

He described his network as “a giant spider web” where everyone is connected in some way.

“If a big player is moving, you don’t just speak with the agent. You speak with lawyers, people from the club, sometimes even people close to the family. Everyone knows something, and you have to put the puzzle together.”

It’s this ability to connect dots across multiple sources that allows Romano to break stories that others miss.

The Pressure of Being First

With millions waiting for his updates, the pressure on Romano is immense. A single wrong report could damage his credibility. That’s why he insists on triple-checking every piece of information before publishing.

“Sometimes I know something is true, but I wait. If it’s not signed, not 100% done, I prefer to hold back. I’d rather be late by one hour than be wrong by one detail.”

This meticulous approach has saved him from the pitfalls that many “fake ITKs” (in-the-knows) fall into.

The Human Side of Transfers

Romano also admitted that one of the most fascinating aspects of his job is seeing the human side of transfers. Players, he says, are often more emotionally invested than fans realize.

“People think it’s only business, but for players, moving to another country, leaving family, changing lifestyle—it’s huge. That’s why some of them reach out, because they want their side understood, not just the money and the numbers.”

It’s a reminder that behind the headlines are individuals grappling with life-changing decisions.

Social Media Power

Another key element in Romano’s rise has been his savvy use of social media. He has turned Twitter posts and Instagram updates into events in themselves. Fans refresh his feed constantly, and even clubs have begun timing their announcements to align with his updates.

“It’s incredible—sometimes clubs wait for me to say ‘Here we go’ before they announce. That shows the power of trust with the fans.”

It’s a phenomenon unique to modern football: a journalist with as much pull online as some clubs themselves.

Critics and Challenges

Of course, not everyone is a fan. Some critics argue that Romano has turned transfers into entertainment, creating hype around negotiations that may never materialize. Others feel he gives agents too much power by amplifying their leaks.

Romano acknowledges the criticism but insists that transparency is his goal.

“Fans deserve to know what’s happening. Transfers are a part of football. As long as I report what’s true and respect the process, I’m doing my job.”

The Future of Transfer Reporting

Looking ahead, Romano believes transfer reporting will only get bigger as the football economy grows. With more money, more deals, and more global interest, the hunger for inside knowledge will never fade.

But he also recognizes that the landscape is changing. Direct messages from players, WhatsApp leaks, and even agents using journalists as negotiation tools mean the job requires more discernment than ever.

“The challenge is not just to get the story, but to understand why someone is telling you. Everyone has a reason. You have to separate truth from strategy.”

Conclusion

Fabrizio Romano’s revelation that players themselves sometimes message him directly adds a fascinating layer to his legend as football’s ultimate transfer insider. It shows just how deeply embedded he is in the game, not just as a reporter but as someone trusted by the very stars fans idolize.

In a world where rumors fly faster than facts, Romano’s commitment to accuracy, discretion, and respect keeps him at the top of the game. His “Here we go” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a seal of trust.

And if players are indeed sliding into his DMs with the biggest stories, it’s safe to say that Fabrizio Romano’s reign as the king of transfer news is far from over.