In the summer, one of the primary tasks on Manchester City’s to-do list in the transfer window must be signing a successor for Kyle Walker.
Walker is set to leave Manchester City and end his decorated nine-year spell at the club.
While the 34-year-old’s final campaign at the Etihad Stadium demonstrated that he could be past his best, City lack a player in their squad who could be classed as a shoo-in to replace the Englishman.
Jamie Carragher dubbed Walker a “liability” earlier this season but with age, even greats like the six-time Premier League winner start to decline.
However, Kyle Walker is arguably the greatest right-back in Premier League history and while it will be nigh-on impossible for the Sky Blues to sign a player of his calibre in the summer, they must find a way to replace him much like how the veteran succeeded Pablo Zabaleta.
Man City think Tino Livramento would be the “perfect” Kyle Walker replacement
One player who Manchester City have been heavily linked with is Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento.
Manchester City are eyeing Livramento — who signed for Newcastle for £32 million (Sky Sports) in 2023 and since his move to St. James’ Park, he has been an absolute revelation.
While Walker hopes to return to Manchester City, Fabrizio Romano claimed on The Here We Go Podcast that his time at the club is over and the decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium believe the Magpies wonderkid would be the best candidate to take his place: “Kyle Walker has been a fantastic player in Man City history but it’s over. It’s time to part ways. So let’s see what happens with Milan. If maybe we’ll try to renegotiate a deal or not. Maybe they will try to find a solution to keep Kyle Walker.”
“But in general, for Man City, this chapter is closed, so the player can find a solution. Milan, Saudi, whatever it is, Man City believe that they need a new player in that position.”
“From what I’m hearing, behind the scenes, the dream target is Tino Livramento at Newcastle, a player they consider fantastic and perfect for Pep Guardiola, but Newcastle, we know, are always tough when it’s time to sell important players.”
Newcastle eyeing potential Livramento replacement
Manchester City admire Wesley Franca as well as they are preparing to launch a £29 million bid to sign him.
While Matheus Nunes has done a job as a makeshift right-back and Rico Lewis is a useful option in the back four, City lack a stalwart who could be deemed as a potentially elite player in the long run.
Livramento, however could be one day and Pep Guardiola would enjoy the fact that he is arguably as good in both full-back positions.
But the good news for City is that MARCA have reported that Newcastle are looking to sign Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina, who could potentially replace the 22-year-old.
With Kieran Trippier still at Newcastle, it seems like Eddie Howe is prepared to let the youngster go.
As a result, Manchester City could have a free run at signing Livramento to succeed Walker in the summer.
