Newcastle United braced for big-money 2026 transfer approach from Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City could revisit transfer interest first sparked in the recent summer transfer window at some stage in 2026, it has been reported.

City made sweeping changes to their first-team squad this summer following the appointment of Hugo Viana as sporting director – as all of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson, James McAtee and Scott Carson left the club.

Viana also signed off on season-long loans for Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish amongst a list of names to usher in a new era in the backdrop of Pep Guardiola’s most challenging season at the Etihad Stadium, wherein the Catalan led City to a disappointing third-place Premier League finish with 71 points.

Defensive frailties were the hallmark of Manchester City’s issues last term as the Blues suffered for their lack of prowess at left-back – a position that has been a true Achilles’ heel for Guardiola throughout his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, former Manchester City captain Walker lost his place in the starting XI in the fall of 2024 following a horror run of performances, seeking exile in Italy as he put pen to paper on a six-month loan deal at AC Milan in January for regular minutes.

Following Walker’s permanent exit to Burnley in the summer, City expressed a strong interest in Newcastle and England full-back Valentino Livramento, though the length of time remaining in the defender’s current deal at St. James’ Park and the Magpies’ resolute stance against a sale meant a deal could not happen.

Livramento has three years remaining on his contract and is viewed as a fundamental part of the project by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who was desperate to keep hold of one of his most prized assets when Manchester City came calling in the summer.

Matheus Nunes has been in excellent form for the Blues on the right flank this season and Guardiola has a wide array of alternatives in the position, in the form of Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov and John Stones – as Viana and co monitor the transfer market for possible opportunities to strengthen their options in a key position for Guardiola.

In a significant development, Mail Sport’s Craig Hope has reported this week that Livramento is set to delay any decision on a new Newcastle United contract until nearer the end of the ongoing season, with just under three years remaining on his current contract.

The 23-year-old is said to be happy on Tyneside and recognises the improvement made under manager Eddie Howe and his staff, but there is a feeling the player will leave his options open for the time being with Manchester City retaining a strong interest.

Etihad Stadium officials are known to have done ‘extensive scouting work’ on Livramento and an approach from Manchester is ‘expected’ in 2026, when Newcastle could soften their stance on a sale in the event of an offer that is too good to turn down.

It remains to be seem whether Manchester City will rekindle their interest in Livramento next summer, when the Chelsea academy graduate’s stock could rise higher than ever should he enjoy a successful World Cup campaign with England under Thomas Tuchel.