Newcastle United are primed to adopt a robust stance in safeguarding the services of their prized asset, Tino Livramento, as Manchester City express interest in acquiring the talented right-back this summer.
The reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, have already bolstered their ranks with the additions of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Bettinelli. Their recruitment spree is not yet complete, with City casting their net over further Premier League talent, notably Burnley’s goalkeeper James Trafford and Newcastle’s Livramento, following Kyle Walker’s departure to Burnley.
However, City’s potential capture of Livramento hits a substantial hurdle given Newcastle’s valuation of £80 million, a fee significantly above City’s purported willingness to part with £65 million.
In a strategic countermove detailed by The Times, Newcastle are poised to offer Livramento an enhanced six-year contract, promising to elevate him to one of the club’s top earners. This pre-emptive measure aims to thwart City’s advances and solidify Livramento’s commitment to St James’ Park.
While Livramento’s existing agreement with Newcastle extends to 2028, the club are eager to reflect his burgeoning stature with improved terms. Currently pocketing £50,000 weekly, he stands to significantly close the income gap to Newcastle’s top earner, Bruno Guimaraes, who commands £160,000 per week.
Livramento, a crucial component of Newcastle’s roster, reportedly seeks to revisit the terms initially agreed upon arriving from Southampton in 2023.
Alongside concerns over Livramento, speculation looms over star striker Alexander Isak’s future amid links to the Saudi Pro League. The Swedish international, content to explore this interest, desires an eye-watering £300,000 a week, effectively doubling his current £120,000 salary.
Newcastle face critical decisions regarding the financial futures of Livramento and Isak, yet this situation underscores their adeptness at acquiring and nurturing talents. Determined to fend off advances from Europe’s elite, Newcastle’s stance on keeping Livramento and Isak indicates a robust retention strategy pivotal to their ambitions.
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