Newcastle United confirmed Tino Livramento as their fourth summer signing earlier this week and ChronicleLive has got the Southampton perspective on the deal for the former Chelsea prospect
By the time Newcastle United unveiled Tino Livramento as their fourth summer signing on Tuesday morning, the news had already been effectively confirmed for several days. The promising full-back was pictured in the stands at St James’ Park for both days of the Sela Cup, and Southampton boss Russell Martin previously admitted an exit was near ahead of their opening-day win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Sales of prized assets are an inevitable reality for clubs who suffer relegation from the Premier League. The Magpies themselves waved goodbye to the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Andros Townsend and Georginio Wijnaldum following their last demotion to the Championship in 2016.
Despite finishing bottom after a dismal campaign, Southampton boast a number of stars who have attracted Premier League attention. Liverpool have failed so far with successive bids for Romeo Lavia, while the latest reports suggest West Ham have reached an agreement to sign captain James Ward-Prowse.
Livramento had established himself in this bracket following a sensational breakout 2021/2022 season for the Saints, although this was brought to a premature end by a serious knee injury. This lengthy spell on the sidelines had led fans to assume the 20-year-old would likely remain at St Mary’s for the Championship campaign, but Newcastle have capitalised on an opportunity to land their eventual successor for Kieran Trippier.
READ MORE: What Newcastle United told Tino Livramento about Kieran Trippier role while pursuing transfer
Ray Hunt, a Southampton fan and contributor to the In That Number Podcast, told ChronicleLive: “Losing your stars has been the biggest worry of relegation. We’ve managed to get this far into the window without any real damage done
“With all the attention on Ward-Prowse and Lavia, Livramento was one that you knew was possible, but given his recent injury, I wasn’t as concerned with losing him. It’s a huge loss.
“He’s a massive fan favourite and it’s sent ripples throughout the club. He’s most definitely one of our prized assets alongside Ward-Prowse and Lavia for sure.”
Livramento signed from Chelsea for a £5m fee two years ago, and the teenager was immediately thrust into the starting eleven by Ralph Hasenhuttl. The full-back impressed for his marauding runs forward as well as his defensive strengths, but this rapid progress was curtailed after he suffered an ACL injury during a Premier League clash at Brighton in April 2022.
Livramento spent more than a year on the sidelines, before making his comeback in the final two matches of the season with Southampton’s relegation already confirmed. When pressed upon this injury concern ahead of the announcement, Howe stressed his confidence in the club’s stringent medical procedures, but Hunt admits the lengthy setback had led fans to expect the full-back to remain with the Saints beyond the current window.
Asked if the deal in the region of £30 million caught supporters by surprise, Hunt agreed and added: “A lot of fans are smarting because he’s just come back from injury. We’ve worked hard for him to come back, given him all the support he needed and then he ups and leaves.
“I don’t feel like that. I understand the lure of Premier League and Champions League, but I had hoped it would put teams off until at least January. If I’m being honest, I was preparing for a season with him. I thought Kyle Walker-Peters would leave before him.”
The true value of the deal varies between reports, with Southampton twice rebuffing Newcastle’s advances before settling on a package which includes add-ons. Regardless of how much the Saints will bank from the sale, it marks a handsome return on their £5m investment.
Hunt said: “It’s fantastic business, the profit margins are massive. It’s what we’re known for, developing young talent to see them leave for hefty profits. It’s a good deal for everyone, but we’re losing a great player.”
The question now turns to the role Livramento will play in the upcoming campaign, beginning with the season opener against Aston Villa on Saturday. The new signing may have to remain patient given Trippier’s consistently excellent displays in a black-and-white shirt, and stints at left-back have also been suggested.
However, United are now competing on four fronts this term and even standout stars such as Trippier, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday next month, will be rotated at times. Hunt feels the veteran right-back will get the nod from the outset, but has no doubts Livramento will prove to be a success at St James’ Park provided he is provided with enough game-time to maintain his development.
