Newcastle United have one of the best right-backs around in Kieran Trippier, so it was really surprising to see the club invest so heavily in another during the summer transfer window.
But Eddie Howe wanted stronger back up for Trippier, which led to Newcastle agreeing a £32million deal with Southampton to sign Tino Livramento.
The Magpies invested a lot of money in Livramento, despite the fact he was merely brought in as deputy. The idea was to relieve the pressure on Trippier, who played in every single game for Newcastle during the 2022/23 campaign.
With more games on the horizon due to Champions League qualification, getting a player of Livramento’s calibre was smart by the recruitment team. However, it did not necessarily capture the imaginations of the Toon Army. That was understandable given we were preparing for our return to Europe’s grandest competition.
But Livramento has ended up playing a starring role in black and white, and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has admitted that he has been very impressed with the impact he has had at St James’ Park.
Jamie Carragher impressed with Tino Livramento’s impact at Newcastle
Speaking to Sky Sports Premier League before Newcastle’s game against Liverpool, Carragher admitted that Livramento is the one Toon summer signing that has stood out since his arrival.
“In Livramento he was a player who Newcastle fans were probably not overly excited with some of the business that they did,” he said.
“But he is the one who has really stood out for me and made a bit of an impact.”
Livramento has been massively impressive since his £32m arrival
There was not a huge amount of excitement when Livramento arrived. There was an appreciation of his ability and recognition that he would eventually replace Trippier, but he has ended up playing more than anticipated.
Newcastle have had to lean on Livramento a lot, and he has delivered on every occasion. He has barely put a foot wrong in a Toon shirt, and is the one summer signing who has done himself justice.
Sandro Tonali had not quite settled before his ban, while injury has meant that Harvey Barnes has barely played. Neither has Lewis Hall, but fitness has not been his issue.
Newcastle’s summer recruitment drive has not had the desired effect so far, but Livramento has certainly proven himself to be worth the investment. He is already a fan favourite, as cries of ‘Tino, Tino, Tino’ engulf St James’ Park just like they used to when Tino Asprilla was at the club.
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