Fabrizio Romano: Man City accelerate plans to replace Walker with Premier League rival | OneFootball

Man City’s Changing of the Guard: Livramento Linked as Walker Exit Confirmed

Youth Over Experience in Guardiola’s Defensive Blueprint

Manchester City are no strangers to evolving their squad with surgical precision, and the latest move could signal another shift in their long-term planning. Fabrizio Romano reports that Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento has emerged as a serious option to replace outgoing full-back Kyle Walker. The confirmation comes as City narrow their shortlist to four candidates, with a final decision expected before the Club World Cup kicks off on June 14.

Livramento is still only 22, yet he’s earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s standout young defenders. After making a brave leap from Chelsea to Southampton in 2021 due to limited first-team prospects, his trajectory was momentarily halted by an ACL injury. But his form at Newcastle since his £40m move has reignited top-tier interest. His performances—defined by defensive sharpness and explosive bursts forward—are exactly the profile City often prize.

Romano confirmed on X: “Tino Livramento is among options under consideration at City.” That sentence alone has implications not just for City, but for Newcastle’s summer strategy too.

Walker’s Exit: An Era Closes

While speculation had lingered that Kyle Walker might return to Manchester following his loan spell with AC Milan, Romano has shut that door: “Walker will 100 per cent leave the club, even if Milan won’t buy him.”

That statement ends any remaining ambiguity. Walker, a six-time Premier League champion, has been a mainstay in City’s most dominant years. His departure marks the end of an era defined by overlapping runs, recovery pace, and leadership at the back.

Now City must evolve again—this time without one of their most consistent and athletic defenders of the last decade.

Livramento’s Rise: Not Just Potential, But Production

There’s a growing sense that Livramento is no longer just a promising talent. At Newcastle, he’s started to look like the real deal. Able to recover possession quickly, link play, and press forward with attacking intent, he fits Guardiola’s high-functioning system. For Newcastle, losing him would be a bitter pill, especially after investing heavily in his development.

Still, the fact that “City are set to decide on their top target before June 14” implies this is more than casual interest.

Future-Proofing City’s Flanks

City’s approach seems methodical. While other clubs may rush into the market, Pep Guardiola’s recruitment team are curating options carefully. With names like Nicolo Savona also on the table, there’s no certainty yet. But the presence of Livramento on this shortlist is telling.

What City appear to be targeting is not just a right-back, but a stylistic evolution: someone who can take Walker’s role and expand it.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City supporter’s perspective, this development feels both familiar and refreshing. The club have mastered the art of succession planning, and Livramento represents the next wave—young, hungry, technically gifted, and tactically adaptable.

Walker’s departure, while emotionally significant, was perhaps overdue in footballing terms. Though still capable, his game is built on attributes that naturally decline with age. Bringing in a full-back like Livramento—whose game is more nuanced than raw pace—fits Pep’s philosophy of retaining ball dominance while adding penetration from wide positions.

There is also a sense of pride in how City approach these decisions. They aren’t chasing hype or splashing out recklessly. Instead, they’re choosing players who understand the tactical layers required to succeed in sky blue.

Yet, some caution is warranted. Livramento is still relatively inexperienced at the elite level and has battled serious injury in recent memory. Can he shoulder the pressure of replacing a serial winner like Walker at a club where expectations never dip?

If the deal happens, fans will be curious to see how Guardiola moulds him. But there’s confidence that if Pep wants him, there’s already a plan. And for City fans, that’s usually all the assurance needed.