Latest news with #Livramento
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Sport
- Business Upturn
Man City shortlist two options for fullback positions
Manchester City have identified two new players that they will target in the current summer transfer window. By Ravi Kumar Jha Published on June 2, 2025, 18:49 IST Manchester City have identified two new players that they will target in the current summer transfer window. As they are in search for new fullbacks, so they have shortlisted Tino Livramento of Newcastle and Ait-Nouri of Wolves. Both these fullbacks were amazing last season, and thus, the club thinks they are the best options for the positions. Manchester City have set their sights on bolstering their defensive options this summer, with a particular focus on strengthening the fullback positions. According to reports, the reigning Premier League champions have shortlisted Tino Livramento of Newcastle United and Rayan Aït-Nouri of Wolverhampton Wanderers as key targets. Both fullbacks impressed with their performances in the 2023/24 season. Livramento, despite limited starts at Newcastle, showcased his pace, composure, and attacking flair whenever given the opportunity. Aït-Nouri, on the other hand, was one of Wolves' standout players, contributing both defensively and in the final third with consistent displays. City's interest in the duo reflects Pep Guardiola's desire to refresh his squad with young, dynamic options capable of playing in an intense, possession-based system. With Joao Cancelo expected to leave permanently and doubts over other defensive options, the club sees Livramento and Aït-Nouri as ideal fits. Ravi kumar jha is an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia and Mass Communication. A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication and he also has a genuine interest in sports. Ravi is currently working as a journalist at
Metro
4 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Man City want Newcastle and Wolves stars in overhaul at full-back
Manchester City are plotting big changes to their back line this summer, with interest in Newcastle United's Tino Livramento and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Rayan Ait-Nouri. It was an extremely disappointing season for City last time round as they finished third in the Premier League table and without any silverware. After four league titles on the spin it was always going to be tough to keep that run of success going, but the drop off was remarkable and defeat in the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace a negative end to a forgettable season. Investment in the squad is planned over the summer, with full-back identified as a position in need of strengthening. Despite the vast riches spent on Pep Guardiola's squad, Manchester City have been left incredibly short at full-back in recent times. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Against the Eagles at Wembley Manuel Akanji and Nico O'Reilly started on the right and left of defence respectively. On the final day of the Premier League season Matheus Nunes was at right-back and Josko Gvardiol at left-back. City want another option on both flanks, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that Ait-Nouri and Livramento have been identified as their main targets. The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that a deal to take 23-year-old Ait-Nouri to the Etihad is yet to be done but all parties expect it to be achieved. The Algeria international initially joined Wolves on loan from Angers in 2020 and made the move permanent in 2021. The left-back has racked up plenty of experience, making 157 appearances for Wolves, with 41 of those coming last season when he scored five goals and provided seven assists. Livramento will be a much more difficult deal to do as Newcastle secured Champions League football for next season and do not want to sell the England international. The 22-year-old made 37 Premier League appearances last season and 45 in total as the Magpies finished fifth and won the Carabao Cup. The former Southampton defender is under contract until 2028 so it would take a huge offer from City for Newcastle to consider letting Livramento go. Magpies boss Eddie Howe spoke last month about the positive position the club is in now compared to last year when they had to sell players, which is no longer the case. 'The difference in mentality, really, for where we were, knowing that we, this time last year, we were in a selling position, we needed to raise revenue,' Howe told The Shields Gazette. More Trending 'And that's a totally different mindset to being in the one that we are now, with a different mindset and different possibilities. It is a big summer for us because every transfer window is big. 'You want to go, preferably, into the new season with a stronger squad than the one that you entered with. And that's always the challenge.' MORE: What teams are in the 2025 Club World Cup and how did they qualify? MORE: Chelsea told they should have signed £64m Man Utd target instead of Liam Delap MORE: Chelsea open talks with Borussia Dortmund's £50m Arsenal and Liverpool target
New York Times
11-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Tino Livramento: Newcastle's long-term solution at right-back but thriving on the left
When Newcastle United committed £40million (then $50m) to sign Tino Livramento in 2023, they believed they were investing in England's future first-choice right-back. Detailed scouting reports were compiled while extensive due diligence was carried out to assess whether the then-2o-year-old had physically recovered from a complicated ACL injury. Advertisement Aside from a couple of appearances for Chelsea Under-23s, there was little evidence that Livramento could be an accomplished performer at left-back. Newcastle's recruitment department knew he could potentially cover there in an emergency, but Livramento was signed for his huge promise as an attacking right-back — not because he could play both sides. The 22-year-old's excellent performances at left-back over the past two seasons, therefore, have pleasantly surprised everyone, including Eddie Howe. 'Arguably, if anything, he has attacked better there than he has off the right,' Howe said this month. Regardless, as impressive as Livramento has been at left-back, he was always signed to be Kieran Trippier's successor. While the path towards that outcome has not always been linear, that is still where Newcastle believe Livramento's long-term future lies. For now, however, Livramento is proving to be a timely, if unplanned, solution on the left. Rewind a month and the feeling among Newcastle supporters about their left-hand side was markedly different. Deflation had taken hold following confirmation that Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall would miss the Carabao Cup final due to suspension and injury respectively, depriving Newcastle of their starting left flank — from which much of their attacking output had originated. Yet, in the four matches across all competitions since, Newcastle have won all four, including at Wembley, with Harvey Barnes providing two assists and a goal as Gordon's replacement, while Livramento has been among their best performers as Hall's stand-in, including laying on Jacob Murphy's opener at Leicester on Monday (below). 'Outstanding,' was Alan Shearer's description of Livramento, when selecting the defender in his Premier League team of the week. Given his consummate performances at left-back last season, Livramento's seamless transition was not wholly unexpected. His mazy dribbles — the most notable of which came during the build-up to Alexander Isak's opener against Paris Saint-Germain (below) — and rapid recovery pace provided protection for Gordon. But, despite making his England debut against the Republic of Ireland in November, Livramento's form at right-back this season has not been especially eye-catching. Defensively, he has performed consistently, but in attack he has appeared hesitant at times, failing to create a goal from his natural flank. Advertisement He did, however, start the season as first-choice right-back. That was partly because Trippier's future was uncertain and also due to their respective fitness levels, given the 34-year-old had a truncated pre-season following Euro 2024. Livramento, meanwhile, who was recovering from an ankle injury, spent some of the off-season in Greece at Mykonos Performance with his friend Jamal Musiala, the Bayern Munich forward. The Newcastle defender supplemented his holiday at the Charisma Wellness Hotel with two 10-day training camps, after Jonny King, Newcastle's physio, contacted Mykonos Performance. There, Livramento enjoyed some down time to mentally recharge, while also focusing on his rehabilitation, including using ice baths and NormaTec air-compression equipment, designed to aid muscle recovery by improving circulation. 'Tino is very experienced for his age and understands the benefits of 'prehab' (prehabilitation) and extra work which give you the edge physically,' says Jordan Demetriou, director of performance at Mykonos Performance. 'He's had to learn through the tough times from a young age, after his ACL and ankle injuries, so he's ahead of what you would expect understanding-wise for his age. 'He knew that this was going to be a big season for him, competing with Trippier and trying to break into the England squad, and he was determined to ensure he put in all the work so he was ready to hit the ground running in pre-season.' Physically, that proved to be the case and Livramento has been preferred to Trippier at right-back throughout much of the campaign. Although he has failed to capture the headlines at right-back, he has been dependable. Interestingly, Livramento's output is extremely similar whether he plays at left-back or right-back, as the graphic below shows. Aside from greater chance creation and expected assists (xA) per 90, he performs marginally better across most metrics on his natural right. Livramento actually finds himself in crossing positions less frequently at left-back (shown below), which explains why he makes fewer crosses per 90. That is despite Newcastle's attacks being split equally 37 per cent down each flank across the season, according to Perversely, those figures do not necessarily correlate with the 'eye test', however. Livramento has at least appeared more influential offensively down the left. Partly, that opinion may be affected by recency bias and also because of the smaller sample size of matches he has played on that flank. Yet there are further factors which help explain why Livramento has seemed more effective down the left. Whereas Miguel Almiron previously played as an inverted winger on the right, during this campaign, conventional right-sided players like Murphy have been deployed by Howe. That has restricted the space Livramento can advance into out wide, limiting crossing opportunities. Advertisement Since switching to the left, he has been behind Barnes, a right-footer who naturally looks to move inside, allowing Livramento to go outside to the byline. As his confidence has grown, Livramento has become more willing to cross with his left foot. While previously Newcastle were reliant on Trippier's creativity from right-back (with 10 top-flight assists in 2023-24), meaning the left-back was less pivotal in attack, that has flipped to an extent this season. Hall has contributed four Premier League assists and averages 1.8 open-play crosses per 90 (the fourth-highest of any Newcastle player). Across 2024-25, Trippier has been less prominent during attacking phases and, even with the right-footed Livramento, more crosses are coming from the left-back than the right-back. Livramento's overlapping run and floated ball for Murphy for Isak's Wembley winner is a prime example (below). 'He's hung up a couple of crosses off his left foot — one for Joe Willock against Brighton (first image below) and one at the start of the Brentford game which Alex nearly scored from (second image),' Howe said last week. 'It shows his left foot is very strong.' That weak-foot ability has also benefited Livramento defensively. He has shackled Jarrod Bowen, Bryan Mbeumo and Mohamed Salah — three of the Premier League's most potent right-sided forwards — to the point of anonymity. With Salah, Livramento dealt with the left-footed winger coming inside by tackling him with his right foot (below). Then he managed to snuff out right-footed crosses when forcing Salah to attempt to go to the byline (below). Bowen (first image below) and Mbeumo (second image) were nullified in a similar manner. 'He can adapt so well to left-back due to his impressive stamina, speed and agility,' Demetriou says. 'A right-footer playing at left-back is at a disadvantage because it is a new area of the pitch and, naturally, you are inclined to use your right foot. 'Imagine a doubles player in tennis who usually plays on the left, suddenly is asked to play on the right — it's like a mirror image and it can take some adaptation because your reflexes are tuned to the other side. 'Tino compensates for the change in position without looking out of place because he is physically superior to most opponents, meaning his explosive pace and stamina allow him an extra split-second to change direction and get into position and the correct body shape.' If Livramento's proficiency at left-back has proven a welcome bonus, then his athleticism, technical ability and character have matched the recruitment department's sky-high predictions. Livramento was tracked from his Chelsea Under-18 days by Andy Howe, Newcastle's assistant head of recruitment. Last year, the head coach publicly credited his nephew with identifying Livramento — and it was Andy Howe who pushed for Newcastle to devote such a fee on him, having failed to take the defender to Bournemouth in 2021. Advertisement Liverpool and Arsenal were among Livramento's long-term admirers, but the suggestion was they held doubts over how the full-back would recover following 392 days out with an ACL injury. Newcastle's comprehensive research reassured them that, physically, there would be no after-effects, while his profile was exactly what they required. Heading into 2023-24, Trippier remained a key player, but a succession plan was needed. Livramento's pace, height, running strength, technical ability and attacking outlook made him ideal. Crucially, Livramento also bought into the blueprint, recognising he could both learn from and push Trippier, then displace him. That elite mindset and the exceptional character references Newcastle received, convinced them they could not pass up the opportunity to acquire Livramento. 'He's very grounded and he doesn't get distracted by the limelight,' says Demetriou. 'His special peer group is also important. Alongside Musiala, he's close with Mika Biereth (at Monaco) and CJ Egan-Riley (at Burnley). They push one another to reach higher levels. 'Tino has surrounded himself with individuals with a strong mentality, who want to be winners and reach the top of their game. They all drive each other and none rest on what they have achieved so far.' Newcastle definitely feel that there is so much more to come from Livramento. His defensive understanding has exceeded initial expectations, as has his proficiency at left-back. But they recognise that as a 22-year-old who is still developing and looking to establish himself ahead of Trippier, it will take time for his self-belief to grow. Once it does, although left-back is where Livramento is currently thriving, Newcastle are adamant that they have actually secured England's long-term answer at right-back.
New York Times
10-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Fantasy Premier League: The differentials for big gains in Double Gameweek 32
Double gameweek season is upon us, a time when big gains can be made. We have a double gameweek next and one in Gameweek 33, followed by a blank gameweek in 34. Newcastle United and Crystal Palace have a double this week, so we will focus on them, casting an eye on some low-owned options which might help you shoot up the ranks. We will also look at some single gameweek players that might help you rise the ranks, too. Newcastle are at home to Manchester United on Sunday and at home to Palace on Wednesday. Alexander Isak (£9.5m) is the clear best captaincy choice for this week and some will even use the Triple Captaincy chip on him. He will be owned by the majority of engaged managers and Jacob Murphy's (£5.1m) ownership will rise after his brace against Leicester City. Advertisement However, there are still a few low-owned options for Newcastle that could help you make the difference. Tino Livramento (£4.6m) not only looks great value, but he's nailed to start at left-back. He has attacking threat and picked up an assist in his last game, against Leicester City. Livramento is only owned by 6.4 per cent of managers at the time of writing. The other advantage with him is that he is cheap enough to hold on your bench for the remainder of the season and you can play him for his easier fixtures. If you are looking for more upside in your defence, then Kieran Trippier (£5.6m) is a fine option. Trippier hasn't had a great campaign due to injuries and losing his place early in the season, but with Lewis Hall (£4.8m) out for the season, Trippier is now certain to start at right-back. He managed one goal and 10 assists last season, so he can offer points at both ends of the pitch. He also takes some set pieces and has many avenues to points. The England international is only owned by 4.3 per cent of managers at the moment. He is pricier than the likes of Livramento and Dan Burn (£4.5m), but he could well be worth the extra outlay. Finally, in attack, Harvey Barnes (£5.9m) has an ownership of only 1.3 per cent. He has started the last three games, picking up two assists, one goal and played 90 minutes in the last two. He has filled in for the suspended and then injured Anthony Gordon (£7.4m), who wasn't in the squad against Leicester in Gameweek 31. Eddie Howe's update after the game didn't look too positive for the England international either: 'Anthony wasn't close (to being in the squad at Leicester). He hasn't been able to train with us yet. He's still feeling the effects of that tackle with England. We hope that we may see him soon, but I've got no certainty on that.' Advertisement So it looks like Barnes' spot is safe for now and certainly for Double Gameweek 32. He is £0.8m more expensive than Murphy, but he does historically have more goal threat and his underlying numbers back that up with an xG (expected goals) of 0.36 per 90 compared to 0.28 for Murphy this season. He scored 13 goals for Leicester City in the 2022-23 season, so him being given a run in the team can be a great option. Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.7m), Ismaila Sarr (£5.7m) and Daniel Munoz (£5.2m) are the three most popular options in the top 10,000 and top 100,000. Mateta and Munoz are around 50-60 per cent owned, and Sarr around 35 per cent. Eberechi Eze (£6.8m) has only a 10 per cent ownership in the top 100,000, so if you are looking for the biggest differential from Palace, it's him — and he might well even be the best option. He has come into a bit of form, with two assists in his last match, and he's also been playing plenty more minutes lately. The England international has started the last five in the league, averaging 88 minutes per start. He has goals and assists in his locker and is on set-pieces, too, so has many routes to picking up points. In general, Palace players will be quite highly owned, but they won't be captained by many. So, another differential path is to captain one of them. If I were to go for a captain from Oliver Glasner's side, it would be one of Mateta or Eze. The fixtures aren't the best, but there is a high likelihood that they score against both of their next opponents: away to Manchester City on Saturday and away to Newcastle on Wednesday — and one attacking return per game should end up with a good score. Our priority should be to maximise the double gameweek picks, but there are still some great single gameweek options this week too if you already have the full roster of double gameweek options. Aston Villa players are an interesting one as they have a fantastic fixture against Southampton (A) and then a double against Newcastle (H) and Man City (A). Advertisement On paper, it looks like a great entry point to bring their assets in and many who are bench boosting in Double Gameweek 33 will have a few of their players. I think we might be able to make a good prediction of how Unai Emery will line up against Southampton by the team he picked against Paris Saint-Germain. If Marcus Rashford (£6.7m) or Marco Asensio (£6.2m) don't start, then I think they will play against Southampton. Rashford, Ollie Watkins (£8.9m), Asensio and Morgan Rogers (£5.6m) are all low-owned now. The former three are owned by less than 10 per cent of managers in the top 100,000 with Rogers around 20 per cent. Their ownerships will no doubt increase as we approach Double Gameweek 33, but if you are willing to take the risk and jump on a week early, you could profit hugely.
BBC News
12-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Newcastle's 'new-look' left side backed to deliver
Newcastle are approaching Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool without their first-choice left-sided Gordon is suspended, after his red card against Brighton in the FA Cup, while Lewis Hall is out until next season with a foot Monday's 1-0 win at West Ham, Eddie Howe started with Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes at left-back and left wing respectively. Former Newcastle defender John Anderson is certain the duo will line up at Wembley for the Magpies."When we saw the team, I said that I think that will be the team that starts at Wembley on Sunday," he said on BBC Radio Newcastle's podcast, Total Sport Newcastle. "I think Livramento just fits in there."I said it was a big opportunity for Harvey Barnes. In the games so far this season, the biggest impact he's really had is when he's come on as a substitute. "He did himself no harm at all and I'd be amazed if it wasn't the same starting XI against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon."Commentator Matthew Raisbeck agreed with Anderson, explaining the reasoning behind selecting Livramento ahead of a natural left-back such as Matt Targett."I put it to the manager [Eddie Howe] after the match, that Livramento played well at left-back last season," he said. "I think most of his best games were at left-back last season when Trippier was at right-back. This was before Lewis Hall broke into the team and finished so strongly at the end of last season."While Raisbeck accepts the loss of Hall and Gordon hampers the Magpies' creativity, he is still backing Barnes to be a "match-winner" at Wembley on Sunday."They've got Livramento who's right-footed and Barnes who wants to cut in on his right, all the time," he said. "They lacked a natural left-sided player in that position so they were cutting in a lot and maybe that slowed down some of the attacks when they got into good positions. "[But] I am really pleased that Barnes played a key role. He had two good chances to score - he's always a goal threat - and then laid on the winner for Bruno with that cross. "I'm really pleased he played well because if he starts at Wembley, he could be the match-winner because he will always give you a moment. He will always create an opening for himself or for somebody else."Full commentary of Liverpool v Newcastle from 16:30 GMT on Sunday on BBC Radio Newcastle
