In the high-stakes world of Premier League transfers, Newcastle United have delivered a decisive blow to Manchester City’s carefully laid plans. The Magpies are standing resolute, refusing to part with their dynamic right-back Tino Livramento, a key target for City as they brace for the departure of two club legends. With the summer transfer window looming, Newcastle’s unwavering commitment to retaining their star man has left City scrambling to rethink their squad rebuild, casting uncertainty over their preparations for the 2025 Club World Cup and beyond.
Manchester City, under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, are preparing for a significant transition. The club is set to bid farewell to two of their most influential figures: midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and right-back Kyle Walker, who have collectively amassed over 700 appearances and six Premier League titles. De Bruyne’s contract will not be renewed, signaling the end of his illustrious tenure, while Walker, currently on loan at AC Milan, is confirmed to leave permanently, regardless of whether Milan exercises their option to buy. “Kyle Walker will 100 per cent leave the club, even if AC Milan won’t buy him,” a transfer insider revealed, underscoring the finality of his exit.
To fill the void left by Walker, City identified Livramento as the ideal successor. The 22-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Southampton in August 2023 for £40 million, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents. His blistering pace—regularly clocking speeds over 35km/h—combined with defensive solidity and attacking flair, has earned him accolades from Newcastle’s hierarchy. “His physical traits are excellent,” manager Eddie Howe praised, highlighting Livramento’s ability to maraud forward and bolster the Magpies’ backline. City’s recruitment chiefs, impressed by his performances, placed Livramento on a four-man shortlist to anchor their defense for the future.
However, Newcastle’s resolve has thrown a wrench into City’s plans. The Magpies, buoyed by an improved financial position under the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), are under no pressure to sell. Unlike last summer, when they reluctantly offloaded prospects Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh for a combined £65 million to comply with PSR, Newcastle are now in a stronger position. “Newcastle are refusing to sell Livramento,” sources close to the club confirmed, emphasizing their determination to keep the right-back, alongside star striker Alexander Isak, as cornerstones of their ambitious project.
Livramento’s rise has been meteoric. After progressing through Chelsea’s academy and making a name for himself at Southampton, despite an ACL injury in 2022, he has become a mainstay at St James’ Park. His 36 starts across all competitions this season, coupled with standout performances like winning three ground duels and delivering key passes in a recent victory over Chelsea, have cemented his status as a fan favorite. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer described him as “outstanding,” a sentiment echoed by Howe, who sees Livramento as the long-term successor to Kieran Trippier, another player linked with a potential exit.
City’s interest in Livramento is not their only pursuit of Newcastle talent. Guardiola is also an admirer of midfielder Bruno Guimarães, though Newcastle’s firm stance on their key players makes such a deal equally challenging. With Livramento off the table, City are now exploring alternatives, including Juventus’ Nicolo Savona, with whom they reportedly have a verbal agreement on personal terms. Yet, the loss of their primary target is a setback, forcing Guardiola to recalibrate his strategy for a squad overhaul that also includes pursuits of midfielders like AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
For Newcastle, this stance signals their growing confidence. The club’s Saudi-backed ownership, led by the Public Investment Fund, is focused on building a squad capable of competing for Champions League qualification and silverware. Retaining Livramento, who embodies their vision of youth and ambition, is a statement of intent. As the transfer saga unfolds, the Magpies’ defiance has not only disrupted City’s succession plan but also underscored their determination to rise among the Premier League’s elite.
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