After a season of tactical adaptation, Newcastle United’s summer transfer strategy is now clearly focused on evolution.
The club is targeting players who can help transition the team into a more progressive, possession-based unit.
Nowhere is this shift more evident than in defence, where the Magpies are exploring options to support one of their most exciting young talents: Tino Livramento.
Since arriving from Southampton, Livramento has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout young full-backs. His versatility was on full display in the Carabao Cup final, where he nullified Mohamed Salah despite playing out of position on the left.
He also played a key role in England’s U21 European Championship success and continues to develop into a modern, forward-thinking defender.
With reported interest from Manchester City, Newcastle are determined to secure his long-term future. The club is said to be preparing a six-year deal that would make him one of their highest earners.
To fully unlock his creative qualities, Newcastle must surround him with players who provide a solid platform behind him. Their pursuit of a new centre-back appears to be aimed precisely at that.
Newcastle chasing their missing piece of the jigsaw
One player who fits that profile perfectly is Marc Guéhi. The Crystal Palace captain is entering the final year of his contract and looks unlikely to extend his stay in south London.
Newcastle had several bids turned down for the defender last summer, while Tottenham also failed with an approach in January.
With Liverpool reportedly reluctant to meet Palace’s £45m valuation, the Magpies may now have a clearer path to securing his signature. Indeed, according to GIVEMESPORT, the player is now keen on a move away from Selhurst Park.
It’s revealed that the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and Spurs all have ‘strong’ interest in the player.
What may prove beneficial is that there’s already a personal connection in place. Sky Sports has noted that Guéhi shares close friendships with several Newcastle players, namely Anthony Gordon, Livramento and Lewis Hall who he was alongside at Chelsea.
That familiarity could ease his transition and strengthen the cohesion within Eddie Howe’s defensive unit.
Guehi & Livramento: A partnership for the future
On the pitch, Guéhi was a model of consistency last season. According to Sofascore, he made 34 appearances, scored three goals, and averaged a match rating of 7.10. While his numbers in traditional defensive areas, such as clearances, tackles, and aerial duels, were impressive, his technical ability sets him apart.
According to data from FBref, Guéhi ranks among the most progressive centre-backs in Europe. He sits in the 98th percentile for through balls, the 75th percentile for switches of play, and the 77th for crosses. These numbers point to a defender who’s not only comfortable under pressure but capable of initiating phases of possession.
This makes him an ideal partner for Livramento. According to the same data, the young full-back already ranks in the top percentiles for pass completion, progressive passes, and progressive carries, thriving when given the freedom to push forward.
With Guéhi providing reliable cover behind him, Livramento would have the confidence to consistently move into the final third, knowing that any space he vacates will be managed by a composed and mobile defender.
In a traditional back four, Guéhi’s presence would provide the stability to support Livramento’s attacking runs. In a back five, Newcastle could deploy Guéhi on the right side of a defensive trio with Livramento as a wing-back, offering overlapping runs, and an additional layer of attacking threat.
Either system would benefit from the balance and structure Guéhi brings.
The move would also align with Newcastle’s wider tactical evolution. With hopes of completing a deal for ball-playing goalkeeper James Trafford, it’s clear that Howe is building a team capable of dictating play.
In the words of Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, Guéhi is a “monster” and with his blend of defensive discipline and passing range, fits perfectly into that vision.
Livramento is already among the best young full-backs in the league, but the right partner beside him could help take his game to the next level. Guéhi offers exactly the kind of support needed to make that happen.
For Newcastle, this would be more than just smart recruitment. It would be a long-term investment in a partnership that could define the next phase of their development.
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