Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola now wants to sign a “sensational” Premier League player this summer, but a deal could cost over £33m, according to a report.
Man City set for summer departures
Although Guardiola’s side picked up an impressive 1-0 victory on the road at Tottenham Hotspur last night, this season in general has been very disappointing, and the manager is planning to reshape his squad in the summer transfer window.
The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson and Jack Grealish could be shown the exit door this summer, alongside former captain Kyle Walker, who joined AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the season back in January.
There have also been calls for Walker to be sold permanently, with the 34-year-old showing signs he is on a downward trajectory, which means Guardiola could be tasked with bringing in a suitable long-term replacement in the summer.
Related
Man City want to sign “insane” £83m star who Pep loves; he’s a key target
City could be set to battle rivals Manchester United for the forward’s signature.
According to a report from Spain, Pep has now identified Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento as a priority target to replace Walker in the summer, having caught the eye due to his ability both going forward and defensively.
Livramento’s value is estimated to be around €40m (£33m), but City may have to pay a higher fee to prise him away from Newcastle, given that he is an important player for Eddie Howe’s side.
|
Man City’s upcoming Premier League fixtures |
Date |
|
Nottingham Forest (a) |
March 8th |
|
Brighton & Hove Albion (h) |
March 15th |
|
Leicester City (h) |
April 2nd |
|
Manchester United (a) |
April 5th |
|
Crystal Palace (h) |
April 12th |
“Sensational” Livramento impressing at Newcastle
The 22-year-old has been a key player for the Magpies this season, making 26 appearances in the Premier League, and he has looked impressive in a Newcastle shirt for quite some time, having previously received high praise from Alan Shearer.
Given his age, the young Englishman is at the right age to be a long-term success at the Etihad Stadium, and he ranks highly on some key defensive metrics over the past year, placing in the 81st percentile for interceptions per 90, and the 90th percentile for clearances.
Walker has been a fantastic servant to Man City, making 319 appearances for the club in all competitions, during a period of unprecedented success. However, the Englishman will turn 35 in May, so it is clear a long-term replacement is needed.
Livramento has proven himself in the Premier League over a sustained period of time, indicating the right-back could be just the man to replace Walker, and a move to the Etihad Stadium could be appealing if City beat Newcastle to the Champions League places.