Report: Man City suffer transfer blow as Newcastle refuse to sell star | OneFootball

Man City’s Livramento Pursuit Stalls as Guardiola Eyes Other Targets

Newcastle’s Stance Halts City’s Ambitions

Manchester City’s attempt to sign Tino Livramento from Newcastle United has hit a significant roadblock, according to talkSPORT. The full-back, fresh from a breakout season, has firmly embedded himself into Eddie Howe’s plans and the hearts of the St James’ Park faithful.

City’s interest came as no surprise. Livramento’s versatility – comfortable on either flank – made him a prime candidate to revitalise Pep Guardiola’s defensive unit. Across 45 appearances in all competitions, the 22-year-old not only showed resilience and maturity but earned his first senior England cap in November, marking his rise as one of the Premier League’s most exciting full-backs.

But negotiations appear to have broken down. With the Club World Cup looming, Guardiola was keen to integrate new additions swiftly. Instead, he’s met resistance. Newcastle, emboldened by their Carabao Cup triumph and Champions League return, are unwilling to offload such a prized asset.

Howe Stands Firm Amid Rumours

Eddie Howe has made no secret of his frustration with ongoing transfer speculation. “It goes without saying (that he’d want to keep Livramento),” he said. “It’s frustrating for us that we’re consistently talking about players rumoured to be leaving. We want to go the other way and strengthen our group.”

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His stance is backed by recent history. Newcastle invested an initial £32m, potentially rising to £40m, to bring Livramento to Tyneside in 2023. The return on that outlay – both in performances and potential – has been immediate.

Howe added: “We want to make the team stronger for the future rather than lose our best players.” The message is clear – Newcastle are no longer a selling club, and Livramento is not for sale.

City Switch Focus to Alternatives

While hopes of signing Livramento fade, City are not standing still. talkSPORT reports they are close to finalising a €43m (£36.2m) deal for Wolves’ left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri. Out of contract next summer, Wolves must sell or risk losing him for nothing.

The 24-year-old delivered a career-best campaign in 2024/25, scoring five goals and assisting seven in 41 appearances. Ait-Nouri’s attacking output from full-back may prove a better stylistic fit for Guardiola’s evolving system.

Additionally, City have agreed a £46.5m move for AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, fresh off being named Serie A Midfielder of the Year. A £25m pursuit of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki further suggests the Cityzens are preparing for a summer of sweeping changes.

Newcastle’s Rebuild Reaches New Heights

Newcastle’s refusal to sell Livramento highlights their growing stature. Where once the club would have bowed to elite pressure, now they’re preparing to go toe-to-toe in Europe and maintain their core stars. Livramento, an emblem of their new era, is key to that ambition.

Guardiola’s need to overhaul a squad that finished 13 points behind Liverpool is undeniable. But if Newcastle hold firm, City’s recalibration may take longer than planned.

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From a Manchester City perspective, this will sting. Tino Livramento was not just another young full-back – he symbolised the kind of dynamic, ball-carrying wide defender Guardiola typically elevates to elite status. Having someone who could slot in seamlessly on either side of defence was a mouthwatering prospect.

What’s frustrating is the timing. City wanted Livramento in before the Club World Cup. Guardiola’s desire for a fresh, aggressive rebuild after finishing a distant second to Liverpool is obvious. But Newcastle, under Eddie Howe and backed by Champions League revenues, are now playing hardball. And rightly so.

There is optimism in the pursuit of Ait-Nouri, who has shown he can contribute going forward, but defensively he’s still a level below Livramento. Reijnders and Cherki bring flair, but they’re midfielders – not the solution at full-back.

For now, it’s a reminder that even City, with all their wealth and pedigree, must deal with football’s shifting power dynamics. And Newcastle, once prey, are now protecting their own. Guardiola may yet have the last word – but it won’t be with Livramento.