Agent reveals Manchester City’s “abandoned” move to sign £39 million Walker replacement

Manchester City “abandoned” their attempt to buy Juventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso during the January transfer window.

Giovanni Bia, the Italian’s agent, recently gave an interview to explain why the Cityzens chose to sign other players rather than pursue talks to sign Cambiaso:

“We were informed of the talks and provided our availability, waiting to see how the negotiations would progress. Manchester City needed to buy [Abdukodir] Khusanov, [Vitor] Reis, and Nico Gonzalez to address their current issues, hence the trade did not proceed.

“I’m not sure [how much the cost would have been], but I believe it was closer to €45 million (£39 million) to €50 million (£43 million), but we never discussed it because the two teams were still negotiating. In a matter of days, they had to invest that money in other places, and the talks were called off.”

A bid for Cambiaso is unlikely to be resurrected.

After City stopped discussions, the defender sustained many injuries and was in and out of the starting lineup until Igor Tudor replaced Thiago Motta in the dugout.

It appears that Cambiaso’s time to move to England has passed. He isn’t likely to change teams this summer.

Manchester City have still not signed a right back.

Cambiaso is reported to have been targeted after Kyle Walker announced his intention to quit the Etihad. The 35-year-old joined AC Milan on loan in January before transferring to Burnley permanently earlier this summer.

Despite the decision to end talks with Cambiaso, no other right-back options have been considered. There is thought to be some interest in Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, but the Magpies’ reluctance to sell has resulted in no official approach for the England international. No bids have been made for Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, despite speculation.

Manchester City have ‘Made an Approach’ to Sign £50 Million Newcastle United Star – Report

Manchester City’s Bold Move for Livramento: Highlights Strategic Defensive Shift.

Manchester City has issued a solid statement of determination by renewing and greatly strengthening their bid for Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, according to TBR Football. City are apparently prepared to pay more than £50 million for the 22-year-old, indicating their desire to strengthen the right-back position following Kyle Walker’s move to Burnley.

Livramento, who shined for England at the U21 Euros this summer, has been closely monitored by the Etihad leadership since June, when the club originally approached Newcastle with a £40 million proposition. That first figure was rejected, but City has returned to the table with an upgraded package that will put the Magpies to the test.

TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey confirms that City would be willing to pay more than £50 million for Livramento. According to the source, Newcastle has no intention of selling and has instead given Livramento a new deal that would dramatically enhance his compensation and place him among St James’ Park’s top earners.

Manchester City have ‘Made an Approach’ to Sign £50 million Newcastle United Star – Report
Photo: IMAGO.

Following Walker’s exit, right-back remains the priority.

The City’s involvement in Livramento is not out of context. Kyle Walker’s surprising move to Burnley created a noticeable vacuum on the right side of defence. While Matheus Nunes has filled in as a right-back throughout the preseason, he is a central midfielder by trade.

Livramento’s skill set makes him the natural heir to Walker. At only 22, he combines speed, physicality, and a keen sense of the game. Walker recently commented, “He looks like a great player.” That praise from a veteran speaks eloquently about the Southampton academy graduate’s rising profile.

Newcastle are not under any urgent rush to sell him, given his current deal has three years remaining. However, if City’s offer exceeds a certain level, the financial pull may still be too powerful to ignore, especially if Livramento expresses a desire to contend for major trophies.

Juventus Duo and Dumfries Considered as alternatives
Livramento is definitely City’s preferred aim, but backup measures are already in place. TBR Football confirms that Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso and Nicolo Savona are also on City’s radar. Savona, in particular, can play both right-back and centre-half, providing tactical versatility.

Interestingly, Newcastle are also keeping an eye on Savona, which could lead to a future transfer battle between the two teams. Denzel Dumfries was another candidate City considered earlier this summer. Although the Dutch international’s £20 million release clause has already expired, City declined to pursue a deal following preliminary discussions.

Meanwhile, City’s defense rearrangement could result in Manuel Akanji’s departure. The Swiss international is in talks with Fenerbahce, which might open up more finances and squad space for a new signing.

Transfer dynamics could test Newcastle’s resolve.
Manchester City is clearly making deliberate investments in youth and depth. Livramento is a long-term solution, and their willingness to go over £50 million demonstrates the seriousness of their approach. However, Newcastle’s goals and financial strength under new ownership suggest that this story may not be resolved easily.

TBR Football’s in-depth reporting provides a clear picture of where the situation stands right now. In the next weeks, whether Livramento stays with Newcastle or joins City may be determined by both funds and player intent.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
This is exactly the type of move that City fans want to see. Tino Livramento has demonstrated maturity and quality beyond his years, and the prospect of him joining Pep Guardiola’s squad is appealing. With Walker gone, there is a clear void, and Livramento’s ball-carrying and defending abilities would be ideal for our system.

More than anything, it demonstrates the club’s continued forward thinking. Going for a young, English player who recently shone at the U21 Euros is classic City. We need more than simply cover; we need someone who can develop into a world-class asset, which Tino provides.

The fact that we’re also considering Cambiaso and Savona demonstrates that City’s recruitment team is prepared for any circumstance. Dumfries may have been cheaper, but quality always prevails in our squad. And letting Akanji join Fenerbahce? It makes sense if it’s part of bringing in someone with more zeal and drive.

If this trade goes through, we’ll have a future England regular and someone who can secure our right side for the next five to seven years. This is the level required to stay on top.