Fabrizio Romano issues fresh update on Manchester City’s Tino Livramento transfer chase | OneFootball

Reports claiming Manchester City were close to signing Newcastle’s Tino Livramento have been largely dismissed by transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano.

Speculation had seemingly intensified over the weekend surrounding Newcastle’s 1-3 FA Cup defeat at St James’ Park to Pep Guardiola’s side, in a game where Livramento made his return from a lengthy injury layoff as a second-half substitute.

Rumours suggested that Manchester City were in “pole position” to secure a staggering £70 million deal for the 23-year-old England international during the next summer transfer window.

However, the reality of the situation appears far less advanced, and while City have long-standing admiration for the former Chelsea academy star, the club’s recruitment focus remains fluid as they evaluate several targets.

Why Livramento to City is Not ‘Advanced’

According to the information of Fabrizio Romano, Livramento is not ‘close’ to joining Manchester City in an upcoming summer deal despite reports claiming that to be the case over the course of the weekend.

While there is ‘nothing concrete, advanced or close so far’, the reaffirms that City wanted to sign Livramento from St James’ Park during the last summer transfer window, but there have been no fresh talks since.

However, despite the lack of progress surrounding the England international, Romano reports that City are still expected to sign a right-back this year.

Evaluating City’s 2026 Transfer Targets

The search for a specialist right-back has become a priority for Pep Guardiola and Etihad Stadium recruitment staff, who have opted to use Matheus Nunes as a converted full-back and to great success to date this season.

While Rico Lewis has remained a part of the rotation, the club is seemingly seeking an elite-level profile to provide more natural width and defensive recovery pace, maintaining quality when rotating across competitions.

Alternative names such as Roma’s Wesley and Sporting CP’s Iván Fresneda continue to be linked with the Etihad Stadium as Hugo Viana prepares for his second full summer window as Sporting Director at Manchester City.

For Tino Livramento, his immediate focus will remain on proving his fitness under Eddie Howe, as his recurring injury troubles – including three separate setbacks this season – remain the primary hurdle to any blockbuster move.

Is Livramento’s Injury Record a Red Flag for the Etihad?

A potential £70 million investment in a player who has managed only 11 league starts this term feels like a significant gamble. For many supporters, the prospect of signing a ‘specialist’ is exciting, but there is a growing sentiment that the club cannot afford a ‘glass’ defender.

As the focus shifts to perhaps more robust options across the continent, the consensus remains that while Manchester City need a natural right-back, it simply must be an option who can stay on the pitch for the duration or the majority of a 60-game season.