Manchester City concluded the summer transfer window without signing a replacement for their former captain, Kyle Walker.
Despite strengthening in other areas of defence with notable arrivals in both the January and summer windows, the Sky Blues left the right-back position unaddressed.
Since Walker’s departure, Pep Guardiola has had to rely on academy graduate Rico Lewis and midfielder Matheus Nunez, who is not a natural right-back, to fill the void.
While Lewis has shown flashes of promise, the 20-year-old remains a developing talent, and Nunez’s adaptation to the role is still a work in progress.
Finding a Kyle Walker replacement was always going to be a difficult task for the club, particularly given the legacy left by their former captain.
Walker held down the position for years, playing countless incredible games against some of the most dangerous wingers in Europe.
In his prime, the England international was renowned for his ability to neutralise world-class attackers.
He memorably matched the pace and power of Kylian Mbappe, stood firm against Vinicius Jr, and consistently delivered high-level performances on the biggest stages.
His displays earned him accolades from football experts, who referred to him as one of the best right-backs the Premier League had ever seen.
Now 35, Walker departed City during the summer to join Burnley, marking the end of an era. His exit has left Guardiola searching for a new defensive cornerstone in that role.
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The absence of an experienced right-back has already raised questions about City’s ability to maintain their defensive solidity this season.
Man City reignite interest in Tino Livramento as Walker’s long-term successor
Although City could not secure a right-back in the summer, reports suggest the position is already a priority ahead of the January transfer window.
The club are now prepared to reignite their interest in Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, with the 22-year-old firmly on their radar as the ideal Kyle Walker replacement.
City were previously linked with Livramento and are expected to launch a renewed bid for his signature.
The young full-back, who joined Newcastle from Southampton in 2023, has impressed with his blend of speed, defensive awareness and attacking contribution down the right flank.
According to respected scout Mick Brown, the Sky Blues sent representatives to monitor Livramento during England’s U21 European Championship campaign.
“Livramento is a top target for Man City,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They lost Kyle Walker to Burnley in the summer because he’s past his best now, but it doesn’t look like they’ve managed to replace him properly.”
Livramento’s profile makes him an attractive option for Guardiola. He offers versatility, youthful energy, and Premier League experience, all of which align with City’s long-term planning.
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However, with Newcastle intent on keeping their young star, a transfer would likely demand a substantial fee.
Defensive frailties remain a concern for Guardiola
While City’s attack continues to thrive, their defensive issues remain a talking point.
Last season, individual errors and lapses at the back contributed significantly to their struggles in key fixtures. Those weaknesses have yet to be fully resolved.
In the opening three matches of the current league campaign, Guardiola’s side have already conceded four goals.
Against Tottenham Hotspur, they shipped two, before allowing Brighton to score twice in another unsettled display before the international break.
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Such early warning signs underline the need for reinforcements in defence, particularly in the right-back position.
The lack of a recognised Kyle Walker replacement is evident, and while Lewis and Nunez have stepped in admirably, City require a more established presence to shore up their backline if they are to sustain another Premier League title charge.
