Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, has consistently set the bar for excellence in both domestic and international football. The club’s pursuit of silverware is relentless, with the quality of their squad playing a significant role in achieving their ambitions. However, even the best teams require continual strengthening, especially as the season progresses and injuries, transfers, and squad dynamics evolve. One area where Manchester City might look to improve in the summer of 2025 is the right-back position.
Kyle Walker’s departure on loan to AC Milan has left Manchester City with a relatively unbalanced situation at right-back. While the club boasts a range of defensive options, the loss of Walker, who was a key figure in City’s defensive and attacking strategies, has created a gap that needs to be filled. At present, the right-back duties are shared between two players: Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes. While both are talented, they don’t provide the same profile that Walker did, particularly in terms of his pace, experience, and the versatility he brought to the team.
Rico Lewis, at just 19 years of age, has impressed in a more central role but is not a natural right-back. Matheus Nunes, also relatively new to the club, has been shifted to the role but his primary position is in midfield. Moreover, Manuel Akanji, who can play at right-back, is currently sidelined due to an abductor injury, making it even more apparent that the right-back position needs strengthening.
While City has adapted to these changes so far, the club will likely look for a long-term solution at right-back in the summer transfer window. The club’s scouting network is always active, and reports have recently emerged suggesting that two right-backs in particular are being closely monitored by Manchester City: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus and Tino Livramento of Newcastle United. While the case for Cambiaso has already been widely discussed, it’s worth focusing on Livramento, who, based on his current form, could be the perfect fit for City’s style of play.
Tino Livramento, a 22-year-old right-back, has established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in the Premier League. Currently playing for Newcastle United, Livramento’s rise has been rapid, and he’s demonstrated an ability to excel at both ends of the pitch. His impressive performances for Eddie Howe’s side have caught the attention of some of the Premier League’s top clubs, and Manchester City is reportedly one of those keeping a close eye on him.
One of the key factors that makes Livramento such an attractive prospect is his technical ability. In today’s football, full-backs are required not only to be solid defensively but also to provide width in attack and contribute to their team’s offensive play. Livramento excels in both areas, and his qualities align perfectly with the demands of a Guardiola system. City’s full-backs are expected to do much more than defend; they need to be able to offer options going forward, providing crosses, creating space, and even making runs into the midfield when necessary.
Livramento’s ball control and dribbling ability are impressive for a player in his position. He’s able to beat opposition players with ease, using his pace and agility to move up and down the right flank. He has a great sense of timing when making overlapping runs, and his crossing ability has improved significantly, which is critical in a system where full-backs are expected to provide offensive support. Livramento’s distribution from wide areas would certainly suit City’s style of play, where quick, accurate passing and movement are key to breaking down opposition defences.
Defensively, Livramento’s game is equally refined. Full-backs in Guardiola’s system are expected to be intelligent and disciplined in their positioning, and Livramento fits this profile perfectly. His defensive positioning is often spot-on, allowing him to read the game effectively. He’s quick to close down his man, but also smart enough to anticipate where the ball is going and intercept passes or make well-timed tackles.
One of Livramento’s standout features is his ability to track back and cover defensively when his team is out of possession. His speed, combined with his high football IQ, allows him to recover quickly and put pressure on the ball when necessary. Moreover, he has the resilience and mentality to defend under pressure, something that would make him a valuable asset for City, who often dominate possession but need their full-backs to be solid when they lose the ball and have to defend in transition.
A key aspect of Pep Guardiola’s philosophy is positional play, and it’s not just about individual brilliance; it’s about collective understanding of the system. Livramento has demonstrated strong tactical awareness, knowing when to push forward and when to hold his position. His understanding of defensive structure and his ability to maintain balance between defensive and attacking duties would make him a good fit for City’s fluid tactical setup.
At Newcastle, he has been part of a well-organized defensive unit and has grown under Eddie Howe’s structured approach. Livramento’s ability to transition between defensive and attacking phases seamlessly would allow him to fit into City’s system without disruption. His intelligence in reading the game would ensure he doesn’t leave his defensive duties exposed while getting forward to support the attack.
Tino Livramento’s breakthrough season at Newcastle United has been a testament to his development and maturity as a player. Having made a name for himself in the Premier League with Southampton, he was then signed by Newcastle, where he has rapidly become an integral part of the first team. His performances in 2024–2025 have showcased his growth as a player, and his consistency in the top flight has been impressive.
This season, Livramento has featured in 33 appearances for Newcastle, demonstrating his importance to Eddie Howe’s tactical setup. His ability to deliver defensively while contributing offensively has made him one of the standout young right-backs in the Premier League. What’s more, his performances have earned him a solid reputation as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in English football.
For Manchester City, the right-back position is one that demands a versatile player. Guardiola’s tactical setup requires his full-backs to be able to defend competently but also to contribute significantly to the team’s attacking build-up. City’s full-backs need to be highly skilled, intelligent, and able to handle the defensive responsibilities that come with the job while also offering options in attack.
Tino Livramento fits this profile perfectly. At just 22 years old, he is already a high-quality Premier League player, and his best years are still ahead of him. His technical ability, defensive qualities, and tactical intelligence make him a potential long-term solution at right-back for Manchester City. Moreover, his age means that he could continue to develop under Guardiola’s guidance, making him an ideal target for a club that prides itself on nurturing young talent.
Another factor that makes Livramento an appealing target for Manchester City is his nationality. As an English player, he would not count against City’s foreign player quotas, and his signing would fit within the club’s broader strategy of developing domestic talent. While City has made some high-profile signings from abroad, they have also placed significant emphasis on developing players from within their own ranks and bringing in talented English players who can make an impact at the highest level.
At 22, Livramento is at the right age to continue his development while making an immediate impact at a club like Manchester City. Unlike some older players who may have already reached their peak, Livramento’s potential is still untapped, and the prospect of playing for one of the best teams in Europe would likely accelerate his growth as a player. Under Guardiola’s tutelage, he could refine his game and take his skills to new heights, making him an excellent long-term investment for the club.
The biggest hurdle to Manchester City’s potential move for Livramento may be Newcastle’s reluctance to sell. The young right-back has become a key player for Eddie Howe’s side, and it’s clear that Newcastle sees him as a cornerstone of their future. With the club’s newfound financial strength and ambitions to challenge at the top of the Premier League, it’s unlikely that they would want to part with Livramento unless the price was astronomical.
Livramento has just signed a long-term contract with Newcastle, and the club has invested heavily in his development. From Newcastle’s perspective, selling one of their most promising players to a direct rival like Manchester City would be a tough decision, particularly given his importance to their defensive setup. It’s also worth noting that Newcastle is on an upward trajectory, and their success in the Premier League could make them less inclined to sell key players to other Premier League teams.
While there are many reasons why Tino Livramento would be an excellent fit for Manchester City, there are also significant obstacles. Newcastle’s reluctance to sell him, particularly given his importance to their team, will likely be a major hurdle for City to overcome. However, if Livramento continues to develop and perform at a high level, there’s no doubt that he will remain a player in high demand.
Ultimately, whether or not Manchester City moves for Livramento will depend on a range of factors, including Newcastle’s stance, the player’s future development, and the club’s strategy in the transfer market. For now, Livramento remains one of the brightest young full-backs in English football, and his potential move to City is certainly a story to monitor closely in the summer transfer window.
