Tino Livramento Reveals What Eddie Howe Keeps Telling Him as Man City Eye Newcastle United Star
Newcastle United’s 2024/25 season has been nothing short of dramatic—filled with injuries, flashes of brilliance, and an evolving squad under Eddie Howe. As the transfer window heats up, Manchester City have reportedly expressed serious interest in one of the Magpies’ most promising young talents—Tino Livramento. But amidst the swirling rumors and growing speculation, Livramento has revealed what manager Eddie Howe consistently tells him behind the scenes—words that could play a crucial role in deciding his future.
In an exclusive interview, the 21-year-old full-back opened up about his experience under Howe, the trust he’s been shown, and how that dynamic is shaping his career trajectory—even as the Premier League champions circle with intent.
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A Star in the Making
Valentino “Tino” Livramento’s rise has been one of the most exciting narratives in English football. Having burst onto the scene with Southampton after leaving Chelsea’s academy, Livramento quickly established himself as a dynamic, technically gifted, and fearless full-back. However, a devastating ACL injury in April 2022 forced him to the sidelines for over a year.
Newcastle saw potential in his resilience and quality, snapping him up in the summer of 2023 for a reported £30 million. While fans questioned the timing and the cost—especially given his recent recovery—Livramento proved his worth during a season marred by defensive absences. Whether operating as a right-back, left-back, or even in a more advanced role, he has shown tactical intelligence, incredible work rate, and composure well beyond his years.
With several standout performances—most notably against top six clubs—he caught the eye of not just the Toon faithful, but also of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
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The Man City Interest
According to multiple sources close to the Manchester City camp, Pep Guardiola has identified Livramento as a potential long-term option at right-back. With Kyle Walker aging and João Cancelo expected to be sold permanently this summer, City are on the hunt for someone who can both defend rigorously and contribute to the build-up—a profile Livramento fits perfectly.
City scouts have reportedly attended numerous Newcastle games, with particular attention to Livramento’s performances against sides that press high—an environment that mimics City’s tactical demands.
Guardiola has long admired players who are versatile, calm under pressure, and comfortable in both inverted and overlapping roles. Livramento, who has played on both flanks and even tucked inside as a makeshift midfielder under Howe, fits that mold precisely.
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What Eddie Howe Keeps Telling Him
With the rumors intensifying, Livramento sat down with The Athletic this week and shared insights into his relationship with Eddie Howe—a relationship that could be the deciding factor in whether he stays on Tyneside or makes a blockbuster move to the Etihad.
> “Every week, whether I’m starting or not, the gaffer tells me the same thing: ‘Be ready. You’re part of something we’re building long-term.’ He reminds me that it’s not about a single season, but about where we’re going as a club,” Livramento said.
He continued:
> “When you hear that consistently, it sticks with you. You don’t feel like just another player. You feel valued, and you want to fight for the badge even harder.”
Sources inside the club say Howe has personally spoken to Livramento about the importance of patience, development, and identity—values at the core of Newcastle’s new-era project.
> “He’s told me he sees me as a future leader in this team,” Livramento added. “That means a lot. It’s not something I take lightly.”
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Newcastle’s Perspective
The club is aware of Manchester City’s interest and, understandably, are not keen to sell. Sporting director Dan Ashworth—before his controversial move to Manchester United—had identified Livramento as a key part of Newcastle’s next generation, alongside the likes of Anthony Gordon and Lewis Miley.
With Champions League qualification narrowly missed last season, Newcastle aim to bounce back and establish themselves as consistent top-four contenders. Letting go of a player like Livramento—especially after just one full season—would send the wrong message both to fans and prospective signings.
The club’s valuation of Livramento has reportedly risen to over £60 million, with some insiders suggesting they would not even consider negotiations unless the figure nears £70 million. Given Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns, however, every decision is carefully weighed. The club needs to balance long-term vision with the reality of rising costs and revenue limitations.
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Competition and Development
Part of the challenge for Livramento at Newcastle is the presence of Kieran Trippier, the club’s vice-captain and one of Howe’s most trusted lieutenants. While Livramento has played as an understudy for much of the season, he has increasingly featured in a variety of roles—showcasing his adaptability.
> “Playing behind Tripps is like studying under a masterclass every day,” Livramento said. “He’s helped me mature as a defender and as a person.”
Still, a competitive player like Livramento naturally desires consistent starts. Manchester City, with their rotation-heavy approach and deep squad, might offer more minutes in high-profile matches, especially as Guardiola looks to rebuild certain areas.
However, Howe’s vision for Livramento’s development may be more personally tailored. He sees him not just as a right-back, but as a future utility leader—capable of emulating the likes of James Milner or Philipp Lahm in a variety of systems.
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The Bigger Picture
Livramento’s decision, while centered around football, also ties into the lifestyle and philosophy of both clubs. Manchester City offer a near-guarantee of silverware, elite infrastructure, and the opportunity to work under one of the greatest managers in modern football. Newcastle, meanwhile, are building something more organic—a new identity, city-wide belief, and squad chemistry that makes staying genuinely appealing.
> “There’s something about the North East,” Livramento mused. “The fans, the atmosphere at St. James’, the city… you feel like you’re part of a family. That’s not easy to walk away from.”
Livramento’s emotional connection with the club, combined with Howe’s consistent communication, may end up being the most powerful factors in this tug-of-war.
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Fans React
As the rumors spread across social media, Newcastle fans have made their stance clear—“Hands off Livramento.” Many see him as the natural heir to Trippier and believe his best years are yet to come. A #KeepTino hashtag even trended on X (formerly Twitter) after the City links gained traction.
One user wrote:
> “Tino is the future of this club. Letting him go now would be like Arsenal selling Saka at 21. Hold firm.”
Meanwhile, City fans are equally excited at the possibility:
> “We need someone like Tino. Walker’s not getting younger. This kid could be our next great full-back.”
The clash of desires between two ambitious fan bases only adds to the drama surrounding the player.
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What Happens Next?
Manchester City are expected to formalize their interest with a bid in the coming weeks. Sources suggest an initial offer could be around £55 million, with potential add-ons. Newcastle are expected to reject the first approach, signaling their intent to retain the player.
Livramento’s representatives have reportedly not requested a transfer, but are keeping an open dialogue with Newcastle about his role and long-term vision.
If City push hard, a critical factor will be the player’s stance. And right now, that seems firmly grounded in the project Eddie Howe has laid out.
> “There’s a plan for me here. I believe in what we’re building,” Livramento reiterated.
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Conclusion
Tino Livramento’s future is at a crossroads, with Manchester City’s interest placing him in the spotlight. But while the allure of titles and world-class facilities is undeniable, it’s Eddie Howe’s quiet, consistent mentorship—and the sense of purpose it offers—that could ultimately keep the young star at Newcastle.
Howe’s repeated message—“Be ready. You’re part of something we’re building long-term.”—may seem simple, but for a young player with ambition, it’s a message that carries profound weight.
As the transfer window unfolds, Livramento’s next move will not only shape his career—it will also speak volumes about what today’s players value: immediate success, or legacy-building with trust at its core.
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