‘Excited’ – Eddie Howe makes Chelsea admission after Newcastle United seal £32m deal
Eddie Howe’s meticulous eye for talent has been revealed once again through the remarkable development of Tino Livramento at Newcastle United.
The £32 million signing from Southampton has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most versatile defenders, validating Howe’s long-term belief in a player he first identified during the full-back’s Chelsea academy days.
Livramento’s seamless adaptation to life at St James’ Park – particularly his recent transition to left-back – stems from Howe’s years of careful observation. “I’d watched Tino for a long time,” the Newcastle manager confessed, tracing his scouting back to Livramento’s youth appearances for Chelsea and England.
This patient approach allowed Howe to see beyond the ACL injury that temporarily derailed the defender’s progress, recognizing both the technical quality and mental resilience that would flourish in Newcastle’s system.
The 22-year-old’s performances this season have justified Howe’s faith. Tasked with containing three of the league’s most dangerous wingers in consecutive matches – Jarrod Bowen, Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo – Livramento emerged virtually unscathed.
His ability to neutralize such varied attacking threats while contributing in possession highlights the complete modern full-back Howe envisioned when bringing him to Tyneside.
Livramento’s Defensive Mastery (2023/24 Premier League)
| Metric | Performance | League Rank Among Full-Backs |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles Won | 2.7 per 90 | Top 15% |
| Dribblers Challenged | 3.1 per 90 | Top 10% |
| Aerial Duels Won | 64% | Top 20% |
| Progressive Carries | 5.2 per 90 | Top 8% |
| Cross Completion Rate | 28% | Top 12% |
What makes Livramento’s emergence particularly impressive is his ambidextrous comfort. Initially signed as a right-back, his transition to the left flank following Lewis Hall’s injury has showcased unexpected attacking upside.
Howe specifically highlighted two left-footed crosses against Brighton and Brentford that created golden opportunities, noting Livramento “arguably attacks better off that left-hand side.” This tactical flexibility provides Newcastle with invaluable squad balance during their Champions League qualification push.
The defender’s success story also reflects Howe’s man-management prowess. Beyond physical attributes, the Newcastle boss identified the perfect personality fit for his demanding system – a “laid-back but professional” character who has become “a really popular member of the dressing room.” This cultural alignment proves as crucial as technical ability in Howe’s recruitment philosophy.
Livramento’s continued presence at left-back appears assured for Newcastle’s remaining fixtures, with Hall ruled out until preseason after foot surgery. The injured defender expressed frustration at missing the season’s climax but acknowledged the necessity of prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains.
As Newcastle’s campaign enters its decisive phase, Livramento embodies the strategic planning and player development that has propelled their rise.
From Howe’s early scouting to the defender’s current two-footed mastery, this partnership demonstrates how visionary recruitment and tailored coaching can transform promising talent into Premier League elite.
The Croydon-born full-back’s journey serves as both validation of Newcastle’s project and a warning to rivals about the club’s emerging ability to identify and polish rough diamonds.
With Champions League football within reach, Livramento’s continued evolution could soon be tested on Europe’s biggest stage – exactly the platform Howe envisioned when first tracking his progress all those years ago.
The defender’s story represents more than just astute transfer business; it’s a case study in how top clubs identify, develop and maximize talent in the modern game.