Newcastle United sign Tino Livramento

Highly-rated English defender Tino Livramento has completed his big-money from Southampton to Newcastle United.

According to the Magpies’ official website, the 20-year-old has penned a five-year contract, pledging his future to the club until 2028.

While the Tynesiders’ announcement fails to disclose a transfer fee, it’s believed they have agreed a deal worth £30 million plus add-ons with Southampton for the talented full-back.

Livramento passed his medical with flying colours over the weekend despite only recently recovering from a long-term knee injury that forced him to miss most of last season.

He touched down at St James’ Park on Saturday to attend Newcastle’s pre-season friendly against Fiorentina before putting pen to paper on a multi-year contract today.

Following his lengthy spell on the sidelines, the England U21 international faces the daunting challenge of returning to peak powers for the Magpies’ Premier League opener against Aston Villa on August 12.

Despite his burgeoning talent, Livramento has joined Howe’s crew as a back-up option for ageing captain Kieran Trippier, as the 33-year-old may need his game time carefully managed next term.

Livramento’s arrival represents the third major incoming transfer at Newcastle this summer after the acquisitions of Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes from AC Milan and Leicester City, respectively.

The Englishman came through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge but failed to make a senior appearance for Chelsea before moving to Southampton in 2021.

He starred in his maiden Premier League campaign before picking up a nasty ACL injury against Brighton & Hove Albion in April 2022, which warranted 13 months on the sidelines.

His first post-injury appearance for the Saints came against non-other than Brighton last May, with former boss Ruben Selles handing him 13 minutes.

Chelsea thought about triggering a buy-back clause to bring Livramento back to London, but the player’s desire to join Newcastle has prevailed.

While the Blues missed out on the youngster’s return to the Bridge, they will be due 40 percent of the package, courtesy of a sell-on clause they inserted into his sale agreement two years ago.