Newcastle United are preparing to stand firm once again as interest grows around one of their most valuable players, with club leaders determined not to be tempted by even the most eye-catching proposals in January.
Despite fresh transfer noise and an offer that would turn heads at most clubs, the message from St James’ Park is clear. Tino Livramento is not for sale, and it would take something truly extraordinary to even begin a serious conversation.
Eddie Howe has made his position known internally and has been very clear in discussions with sporting director Ross Wilson. The Newcastle manager wants to build the future of his team around Livramento, alongside Lewis Hall, and sees both players as central figures in the club’s long-term vision.
That stance has not changed, even as Manchester City continue to show strong admiration for the former Chelsea academy graduate.
City’s interest in Livramento is not new. They were warned off last summer when Newcastle made it clear the defender was untouchable, and that message has not softened. Although Pep Guardiola’s side continue to monitor his progress closely, Newcastle believe they are in a strong position.
Livramento is under contract until 2028, and there is confidence on Tyneside that talks over a new deal will eventually secure his future even further. The player himself is happy where he is and wants to stay, leaving negotiations to his representatives while he focuses on football.
Even if Manchester City do return with an approach in January, the club’s response will be firm. Newcastle sources suggest only an “astronomical” offer would force them to pause and listen.
Comparisons have already been made to the Alexander Isak situation last summer, when Liverpool’s early bids were dismissed before they finally paid a huge fee to get their man. However, this situation is different. Livramento does not want to leave, and Newcastle have no desire or financial need to sell.
What has raised eyebrows, though, is talk within recruitment circles of a creative proposal from City that could include a player as well as cash. One name mentioned is James Trafford. Newcastle attempted to sign the goalkeeper last summer and had a £27 million bid accepted by Burnley, only to be beaten when City activated a buy-back clause.
Since then, Trafford’s career has stalled slightly. The arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma for around £30 million has limited his opportunities, and he has found regular game time hard to come by.
Despite that, Newcastle remain unmoved. Even with a package involving Trafford and a large cash sum, insiders believe that a total valuation of £100 million may still fall short of convincing the club to part with Livramento. He is viewed as a cornerstone of the project, not a bargaining chip.
Away from transfer speculation, Newcastle’s growing reputation in Europe is becoming impossible to ignore. During a recent Champions League trip to Marseille, the level of respect shown by home supporters was striking.
After the match at the Velodrome, conversations among Marseille fans focused not on the result, but on the quality of Newcastle’s football. One supporter described the Magpies as one of the most exciting teams he had seen at the stadium, singling out Livramento, Hall and Sandro Tonali as players who stood out.
That feeling was echoed again on the next European trip, this time to Germany. On the way to Bayer Leverkusen’s BayArena, local fans spoke openly about Newcastle’s progress and ambition.
They talked about the money spent, the quality brought in, and their belief that Newcastle have the tools to go deep into the competition. Considering Leverkusen’s experience on the European stage, such praise carries real weight and underlines how far the club has come in a short space of time.
Back on domestic matters, Newcastle are still waiting for clarity over their FA Cup schedule. Their home third-round tie against Bournemouth has not been selected for live television coverage, according to the list released recently.
However, there remains a chance that the date could still change. Last season, more than 20 third-round fixtures were moved away from the original Saturday slot, so supporters are being advised to stay flexible.
The club has confirmed that all third-round ties are scheduled to take place over the weekend of Saturday, January 10, 2026, and that a confirmed date and kick-off time will be announced as soon as possible. For now, fans will need to be patient.
Overall, Newcastle United find themselves in a position of strength. They are admired abroad, secure in their key assets, and confident in their direction. Interest from elite clubs is a sign of progress, not a threat.
And when it comes to players like Tino Livramento, Newcastle are showing that their ambition goes far beyond quick profits. They are building something to last, and they are not about to let it be dismantled, no matter how tempting the offer may look on paper.
