Chelsea are reportedly considering bringing Tino Livramento back to Stamford Bridge this summer as they search for a replacement for Cesar Azplicueta.
The 20-year-old defender joined Southampton for £5m in 2021, where injuries have stunted the highly-rated youngster’s progress.
Newcastle are one of the clubs credited with an interest in Livramento. However, reports suggest that he has no intention of joining the Tynesiders this summer.
As a result, Chelsea could potentially activate a buyback clause in his contract, which stands at £38m.
That is according to the Evening Standard, who claim the Blues ‘could re-sign Livramento this summer.’
Since signing for Southampton, the right-back has made 34 appearances across all competitions. In the process, he has scored one goal and made three assists.
After a solid first season at St Mary’s, Livramento suffered a serious injury, which ruled him out of the majority of the 2022/23 campaign. In fact, he only managed to feature in the final two games of the season.
Now, Chelsea could look to bring him back to Stamford Bridge. This could help them fill the void caused by Azpilicueta’s departure, who played as both a centre-back and a right-back for the Blues last term.
But, as per the Evening Standard’s report, Livramento is reluctant to do so. That is because he wants to prioritise playing consistent minutes next season.
For that reason, he has already ruled out joining Newcastle this summer, who, as mentioned, also have the youngster on their radar.
It is believed that the Magpies have already seen several bids rejected for Livramento by Southampton, the highest of which was £21m.
Also, Livramento isn’t keen on competing with Kieran Trippier for a spot in Eddie Howe’s starting XI. So, he is happy to remain with the Saints, even in the Championship.
However, if Chelsea do trigger his £38m buyback clause this summer, they could be able to convince the defender to re-sign for them. But, they could only do so if they promise him playing time.
That may be difficult for Mauricio Pochettino, though. Indeed, Reece James is likely to remain his first-choice right-back option, despite him enduring an injury disrupted campaign last term.
Also, Malo Gusto has begun training with the Chelsea squad, after the French right-back joined them from Lyon in January
The 20-year-old right-back was subsequently loaned back to Lyon for the remainder of the season. Overall, he made 21 Ligue 1 appearances last term.
So, Pochettino could opt to use Gusto in his starting XI, which may only put off Livramento even more. Therefore, it will be interesting to see what his response will be if Chelsea do meet his £38m clause.
READ MORE: ‘Not bothered’ Chelsea fans would’ve been ‘very angry’ at Mount sale to Man Utd a year ago
