Manchester City is reportedly prepared to build a record-breaking bid for Newcastle United fullback Tino Livramento this summer, potentially eclipsing the current £60 million transfer fee paid for Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. The move signals City’s continued ambition to bolster their squad, even after recent acquisitions like Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, and addresses a long-term need at the fullback position.
The pursuit of the 23-year-old defender, first noted last summer, stems from City’s belief that Livramento possesses the pace and energy to become a long-term successor to Kyle Walker, currently at Burnley. While Matheus Nunes has established himself as a strong option at right-back, manager Pep Guardiola reportedly views Livramento as a significant upgrade, capable of also filling in at left-back – a position previously occupied by Nico O’Reilly before Rayan Ait-Nouri’s adaptation. This potential versatility adds to Livramento’s appeal.
According to reports from SPORTbible, citing Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, City is willing to pay up to £70 million to secure Livramento’s services. Newcastle, however, is determined to hold out for that figure if they are unable to agree to a contract extension with the player, whose current deal runs until 2028. This potential transfer fee would not only break the record for a fullback but also continue City’s trend of significant investment in top talent, having previously spent £50 million on Walker in 2017 and £57 million on Joao Cancelo in 2019.
Livramento’s Journey to the Top
Livramento’s rise to prominence has been marked by both promise and setbacks. A product of Chelsea’s youth academy, he joined Southampton before moving to Newcastle in August 2023. He quickly became a key player for the Magpies, featuring in 35 games in his first season and 45 in the 2024-25 campaign. However, his progress has been hampered by two knee injuries, and he is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite these recent health concerns, City clearly sees the long-term potential in the young defender.
A Strategic Move for Guardiola
The potential acquisition of Livramento aligns with Guardiola’s tactical preferences and City’s ongoing efforts to maintain dominance in the Premier League. The ability to seamlessly transition between right and left-back positions is a valuable asset in modern football, and Livramento’s athleticism and attacking prowess would add another dimension to City’s already formidable squad. The club’s recent signings, including Semenyo and Guehi, demonstrate a commitment to strengthening depth and competition for places, and Livramento would undoubtedly contribute to that goal.
Previous Transfer Records for Fullbacks
The potential £70 million fee for Livramento would surpass the current record of £60 million paid for Achraf Hakimi’s transfer from Inter Milan to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, as reported by BBC Sport. City previously broke British transfer records by signing Walker for £50 million in 2017 and Cancelo for £57 million in 2019, demonstrating their willingness to invest heavily in quality players. The club also set a world record for a centre-back when they signed Josko Gvardiol in 2023.
Livramento has also earned three caps for England, making his debut in a 5-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland in November 2024. This international experience further enhances his profile and value.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Manchester City and Newcastle United as negotiations unfold. The outcome of these talks will not only shape City’s squad for the upcoming season but could also set a novel benchmark for transfer fees in the fullback position. The next development will likely be further discussions between the clubs regarding Livramento’s contract and potential transfer fee, with Newcastle keen to secure the best possible deal for their valuable asset.
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