Man City Set Sights on Tino Livramento: 'We Fully Expect' to Agree Defender Deal

Manchester City are gearing up for a summer transfer push to sign Newcastle United's 23-year-old right-back Tino Livramento, with club sources expressing confidence in sealing the deal. Pep Guardiola has long admired the England international, whose scouts have monitored for months as a long-term solution for the right side of defense.[1][2][3]

Since Kyle Walker's departure, City have improvised tactically, often deploying midfielder Matheus Nunes in a hybrid right-back role. While effective, this has exposed vulnerabilities, with Nunes drifting centrally and leaving flanks open to counters. Livramento's raw pace, composure on the ball, and ability to bomb forward align perfectly with City's high-possession, high-line style, offering defensive solidity and attacking thrust.[1][2][4][6]

Background and Appeal

Livramento, a former Chelsea academy product, joined Newcastle from Southampton in August 2023 for an initial £32 million. Despite injury setbacks—including an ACL tear in 2022 and a current hamstring issue—he has starred at St. James' Park, though he's versatile enough for left-back too. His contract runs until 2028, giving Newcastle leverage, but the player shows no rush to extend, fueling City's optimism.[4][5][7]

Keith Wyness of Football Insider confirmed the interest is "the real deal," signaling a shift from Guardiola's inverted full-back experiments toward a natural specialist. Newcastle face a dilemma: cash in for profit amid European ambitions or retain a key asset.[1][3][6]

Transfer Outlook

Reports from talkSPORT indicate City are "ready to tempt" Livramento with a strong bid, potentially exceeding £40 million. Newcastle hope to tie him down but lack commitment so far. This move could restore balance to City's backline, addressing a "problem position" post-Walker.[2][4][7]

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