At some point, all good things must come to an end.
While there is little suggestion of that happening at Newcastle United anytime soon, it’s important the club start to draw up long-term succession plans.
That may seem almost blasphemous given the relatively early stage Eddie Howe’s side are at in their development but the nature of top-level football is so relentless, it cannot be ignored.
Manchester City, for example, have not allowed the departures of many of their legends to derail their progress over the years.
With Newcastle ambitious for the future, they must adopt the same approach.
Which brings us to Tino Livramento.
What Newcastle know about Kieran Trippier amid Tino Livramento chase
Indeed, the Southampton defender has been strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Dan Ashworth is believed to be a big fan of the former Chelsea youngster and a fresh bid to sign him is reportedly being considered.
Part of the reason the club are plotting a move to sign the 20-year-old is because of Kieran Trippier.
While the England international has done pretty much nothing wrong since signing for Newcastle on a reported £100k-per-week deal in January 2022, The Athletic suggest coaching staff know he simply cannot play every game next season.
With that in mind, the move for the Saints star makes sense.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement of Harrison Ashby
Trippier will be 33 in September, so drawing up a long-term succession plan certainly make sense. With a Champions League campaign to contend with, the former Tottenham defender can’t be expected to play every game possible.
While Livramento is certainly rated highly, the pursuit of him is hardly a ringing endorsement of Harrison Ashby.
The defender was brought to the club in January but has had to bide his time, so to see another young player arrive and potentially leapfrog him in the pecking order might be disappointing.
Newcastle have to be ruthless of course and if they believe the Saints youngster is a better option, by all means go for it.
You have to wonder what the point in signing Ashby was, however.
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