January 9, 2026, brought yet another flurry of activity in the Premier League transfer market, and Manchester City were once again at the center of the speculation. After a strong first half of the season and a record-breaking spending spree in January, Pep Guardiola’s side are now reportedly planning for a massive summer swoop that could reshape their defensive line. According to reports, City have set their sights on Newcastle United’s talented right-back, Tino Livramento.
The 23-year-old England international has become a key figure at St James’ Park since his £40 million move from Southampton in 2023. From the moment he arrived, it was clear that Livramento was more than just a promising youngster; he had the skill, speed, and intelligence to excel at the highest level. Over the past three years, he has made 98 appearances for Newcastle, scoring once and providing three assists, and has played a pivotal role in one of the club’s most historic achievements: ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy when he started in Newcastle’s 2-1 Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool.
City’s interest in Livramento is not surprising. Pep Guardiola is a manager known for meticulously planning his squads and leaving no detail unattended. He recognizes talent across Europe and is unafraid to make bold moves to strengthen his team. Livramento’s defensive versatility makes him particularly attractive. While a natural right-back, he has shown he can operate on the left side when needed, covering for injuries to teammates such as Lewis Hall. This adaptability is crucial in modern football, where tactical flexibility can often define the difference between winning and losing major trophies. Livramento even demonstrated his ability on the international stage, playing as a left-back for England in a dominant 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Serbia last September.
Despite Livramento’s growing importance to Newcastle, the England international is understood to have little interest in extending his current contract, which runs until 2028. Reports suggest that he is content with exploring his options, and a potential move to a club of City’s stature could be too tempting to resist. Newcastle’s sporting director, Ross Wilson, made it clear last year that securing Livramento’s future was a priority, but City’s interest has added a new layer of complexity. The defender could command a transfer fee in the region of £60 million, a figure that reflects both his talent and potential. For Newcastle, any decision to sell would need to balance financial gain with the potential disruption of losing one of their standout players.
City’s defensive situation adds urgency to this potential summer move. Pep Guardiola is facing a rare problem for a club of City’s resources: injuries at the back. Ruben Dias is sidelined for up to six weeks, while fears are growing that Josko Gvardiol’s season may be over due to a serious leg injury. City’s usual right-back options, including Rico Lewis—who has earned five England caps—have been pushed into secondary roles, while centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov has been called upon to fill gaps at full-back. Even Matheus Nunes, a central midfielder by trade, has been deployed on the right to cover the shortage. The defensive crisis highlights why Livramento, with his versatility and Premier League experience, is such an attractive prospect for Guardiola.
City are not just looking at Livramento. They have also been linked with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who could be available in January amid City’s current defensive problems. Guehi’s situation is different: while he remains contracted to Selhurst Park until the end of the season, he is understood to be relaxed about staying at Palace due to the regular game time he enjoys under boss Oliver Glasner. Palace, however, could be willing to sell mid-season to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of the campaign, making him another potential target for Guardiola. Both Livramento and Guehi are England internationals, highlighting City’s preference for players who can perform at the highest level domestically and internationally.
The potential signing of Livramento would be another example of City’s strategy of raiding Premier League rivals for top talent. Guardiola has never shied away from making moves that not only strengthen his own squad but also weaken competitors. Newcastle, with their growing ambitions under owner Mike Ashley and a roster full of emerging talent, would find the prospect of losing a key player like Livramento difficult to manage. For City, however, it is about long-term planning. Guardiola knows that to compete for a seventh Premier League title and maintain dominance in Europe, he needs a squad capable of adapting to injuries, suspensions, and tactical shifts across multiple competitions.
Newcastle fans, naturally, are already concerned about Livramento’s future. His pace, technical ability, and intelligence on the field make him one of the most exciting defenders in England. Losing him would be a blow to the club’s defensive stability, particularly as they aim to build on last season’s Carabao Cup triumph. However, if Livramento chooses to leave, the financial windfall could provide Newcastle with the resources to strengthen across the squad, perhaps signing several new players to fill the gap. In today’s Premier League, player sales and reinvestment are part of the modern football economy, and clubs must navigate these waters carefully to remain competitive.
The drama surrounding Livramento is also emblematic of the modern footballer’s journey. From his time at Southampton to his rise at Newcastle and now potential transfer to Manchester City, his career has been marked by steady progression and strategic moves. At Southampton, he was recognized as a talented prospect capable of playing in England’s top tier. His transfer to Newcastle allowed him to gain regular Premier League minutes and showcase his versatility, while also participating in historic moments such as ending a 70-year domestic trophy drought. Moving to City would present him with the chance to compete at the highest level in Europe, challenging for Champions League glory while playing under one of the world’s most respected managers.
Livramento’s situation also reflects the wider trend of English players returning to domestic clubs after gaining experience abroad or at other Premier League sides. City’s history of signing English internationals like Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and John Stones demonstrates Guardiola’s preference for players who are familiar with the intensity and tactical demands of the Premier League. For Livramento, joining City could also enhance his international prospects, particularly with the World Cup looming this summer. Regular participation in high-profile matches at the Etihad Stadium would keep him in the national team manager’s plans, ensuring he remains a central figure for England.
While defensive reinforcements are a priority, Guardiola’s interest in Livramento is also strategic. City’s attacking play, dominated by stars like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva, relies on a strong defensive foundation to operate effectively. Full-backs play a crucial role in Guardiola’s system, often acting as additional playmakers and linking the defense with midfield and attack. Livramento’s technical skills, ability to contribute to both defense and attack, and positional intelligence make him ideal for this role. He would not simply be a replacement in the squad; he could become a key component of Guardiola’s tactical plans, offering both solidity and creativity on the flank.
The timing of this potential move is also significant. City are already planning ahead for the summer window, recognizing that proactive recruitment is essential in an increasingly competitive Premier League. While January is often seen as a reactive period, preparing for summer transfers ensures that Guardiola can negotiate from a position of strength, identifying targets early and potentially securing deals before rivals have a chance to act. By targeting Livramento now, City are sending a clear message about their ambitions and intent to maintain dominance across all competitions.
For Newcastle, the situation is delicate. Balancing player ambitions, contractual obligations, and club interests requires careful negotiation. Livramento’s reported reluctance to extend his contract adds pressure, and the club must decide whether to risk losing him for less next summer or cash in now to reinvest in the squad. Sporting director Ross Wilson’s role is pivotal, managing both the financial and footballing aspects of the situation. Any decision will be scrutinized by fans, pundits, and rival clubs, illustrating the high-stakes nature of modern football management.
Meanwhile, the Premier League landscape is changing rapidly. Teams like Crystal Palace are managing contracts and transfers carefully, with players such as Marc Guehi weighing the benefits of regular play versus potential moves to bigger clubs. City’s dual interest in Guehi and Livramento reflects their proactive strategy to strengthen the squad across multiple positions. Injuries to Dias and Gvardiol have highlighted vulnerabilities, while the need for tactical flexibility has never been greater. Signing one or both defenders could secure City’s defensive stability for years to come.
This potential summer raid also has wider implications. If City succeed in signing Livramento, it could trigger a chain reaction in the transfer market. Newcastle would need to find replacements, potentially recruiting from abroad or promoting youth talent. Other Premier League clubs could adjust their strategies, knowing that City have bolstered their defensive options. For Livramento, joining City is not just a transfer; it is an opportunity to compete at the highest levels, win major trophies, and cement his place among the elite defenders in England.
Livramento’s career trajectory is an example of careful planning, talent development, and seizing opportunity. From Southampton’s academy to Newcastle’s first team, and now potentially Manchester City, each step has been calculated and purposeful. Guardiola’s interest represents both recognition and challenge—a chance for Livramento to prove himself on an even bigger stage while contributing to one of Europe’s most dominant teams. The move would be a defining moment in his career, demonstrating his ability to adapt, perform under pressure, and compete for silverware at the highest level.
City fans, of course, are already dreaming. Imagining Livramento patrolling the right flank at the Etihad, linking with Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland, they see a player capable of both defending and launching attacks. His versatility would allow Guardiola to rotate formations, adapt to different opponents, and ensure the squad remains fresh across Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Champions League fixtures. It is the kind of strategic signing that reflects not only Guardiola’s tactical intelligence but also the club’s long-term ambition.
At the same time, Livramento’s potential departure poses questions for Newcastle. How will the team cope without one of its brightest talents? Which players will step up to fill the gap? And how will the club balance the financial windfall with the need to maintain competitiveness in the Premier League? These are not easy questions, and the answers will shape the club’s short- and medium-term future.
Looking at the bigger picture, this story highlights the interconnectedness of modern football. Player transfers, managerial strategies, injuries, and international ambitions all converge to create a complex web of decisions and consequences. Livramento’s situation is a microcosm of this dynamic: his career moves impact not only himself but also Newcastle, Manchester City, Guardiola’s plans, and the Premier League as a whole. Fans, pundits, and analysts will be watching closely, knowing that each decision has far-reaching implications.
Ultimately, whether Livrameno joins City, stays at Newcastle, or explores other options, his talent is undeniable. His pace, tactical intelligence, versatility, and international experience make him one of the most sought-after young defenders in England. For Guardiola, signing Livramento would solve multiple problems at once: covering defensive gaps, adding tactical flexibility, and preparing for the challenges of a grueling season across all competitions. For Livramento, it is a chance to test himself at the very highest level, compete for trophies, and cement his legacy as one of England’s top defenders.
As the summer approaches, this potential transfer saga promises to be one of the defining stories of the 2026 season. Manchester City’s proactive planning, Newcastle’s negotiation strategies, and Livramento’s career ambitions will all collide in a drama that captures the imagination of football fans across the country. It is more than just a transfer; it is a narrative about ambition, strategy, and the pursuit of excellence in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
In conclusion, Manchester City’s reported interest in Tino Livramento represents a convergence of opportunity, ambition, and strategy. Guardiola’s side are preparing for a summer that could see them strengthen their defense with one of England’s brightest young talents. Livramento, with his versatility, experience, and international pedigree, stands at the center of this story, with decisions that will shape not only his future but also the fortunes of Newcastle, City, and the Premier League itself. Fans, pundits, and the footballing world will be watching closely as this saga unfolds, knowing that the coming months could redefine the landscape of English football.
