‘Shocks and surprises’ – Finance expert: ‘Man City can afford Tino Livramento despite Rico Lewis update’
Man City may deliver a few “shocks and surprises” before the transfer window closes this summer.
That is the verdict of football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider that Rico Lewis’ new contract offer from Man City will not hinder the financial aspects of a move for Tino Livramento.
The 20-year-old broke through at the Etihad in the 2022/23 season and has gone on to appear 95 times for his boyhood club, whilst also earning five England caps.
But after a bright start, Lewis lost his place in Man City’s side last season, with Matheus Nunes often favoured at right-back by Guardiola.
However, with neither making the position their own, it seemed that the Sky Blues would prioritise signing a new right back this summer.
And whilst it hasn’t happened yet, Forest’s interest in Lewis may cause City to take action.
Man City will have no problems affording Tino Livramento
This article contains exclusive comment from Dan Plumley, a football finance expert and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Plumley explained that whilst Guardiola had been insistent he wants to work with a smaller squad, the Sky Blues may still sign upgrades this summer.
Livramento has been a target for Man City and despite the former Chelsea man being a key piece at Newcastle, the finance expert revealed the dethroned Premier League champions will have no issues affording him.
Plumley said: “You can talk about trimming a squad down and getting rid of some of those players on the fringes of it, but then it is also conceivable that they could go out and buy somebody else.
“There’s both sides of that argument, for sure, and if Livramento is a target, and is firmly on the radar, then you’ll naturally look to that one-in, one-out scenario.
“A move for Rico Lewis could free that up.
“When you get to this point in the window, particularly the big clubs, it’s almost like nothing’s off the table.
“There’ll be a few shocks and surprises along the way, but for City, affordability-wise, it’s not gonna be a problem for them.”
Man City plan to accept Galatasaray offer for Ederson
In other news for Guardiola’s side, Man City are planning to accept an offer for Ederson, Mick Brown told Football Insider exclusively.
The long-serving Brazilian goalkeeper was not included in the squad for the opening day 4-0 win over Wolves, and has interest from Galatasaray.
James Trafford has been signed from Burnley this summer, and kept a clean sheet in Ederson’s absence against the Old Gold.
However, Man City may be inclined to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma as a replacement for the former Benfica man, with the PSG shot-stopper available for transfer.