Full Breakdown
Tino Livramento's Contract Situation and Newcastle's Derby Preparations
12/11/2025, 11:21:50 PM
Tino Livramento's Contract Negotiations
Tino Livramento, the 23-year-old defender for Newcastle United, is currently deliberating on a new contract, with discussions having taken place recently. His existing contract runs until 2028, and Newcastle's sporting director, Ross Wilson, is keen to extend Livramento's stay with an improved deal, reflecting his emergence as an England international with three caps. Despite his satisfaction at Newcastle and recognition of the team's improvement under manager Eddie Howe, Livramento is keeping his options open, particularly due to strong interest from Manchester City. City has conducted extensive scouting on Livramento and is expected to make a move in 2026, which could influence his decision on whether to commit to Newcastle.
Injury Concerns Ahead of the Derby
As Newcastle prepares for the upcoming Wear-Tyne derby against Sunderland, the team faces several injury concerns. Joelinton is a doubt after suffering a groin issue during a recent Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the injury but noted that its severity is still unclear. Additionally, goalkeeper Nick Pope is also a major doubt due to a groin problem, which has kept him sidelined for the last four matches. If Pope is unable to play, Aaron Ramsdale will likely continue in goal, having maintained an unbeaten record during his tenure.
Tactical Preparations for the Derby
Eddie Howe is focused on addressing Newcastle's defensive weaknesses, particularly in set-piece situations, ahead of the derby. Sunderland has been effective from corners and long throws this season, which poses a significant challenge for Newcastle. Howe acknowledged the need for improvement in this area, stating, "Defending set-plays has been a bit of an issue for us. It’s nothing that we can’t fix, and we’re working to do that." The team has been engaging in extra training to rectify these issues, aiming to enhance their performance against Sunderland.
Official Statements & Responses
Eddie Howe emphasized the importance of the derby, stating, "It means everything to me personally. I want to do the club, the city and our people proud." He is committed to ensuring that all players understand the significance of the match, particularly those who may be new to the rivalry. Howe's approach includes maintaining focus on performance while managing the emotional intensity of the fixture.
Criticism & Opposition
While Newcastle's preparations are underway, some critics have pointed out the team's inconsistency in recent matches, particularly in defensive situations. Concerns have been raised regarding the team's ability to handle set-pieces effectively, which could be exploited by Sunderland's tactics.
What's Next
Newcastle will face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, marking their first Premier League meeting in ten years. The match is set to kick off at 2 PM, and Newcastle aims to secure their first league victory over Sunderland since August 2011. The outcome of this derby could have significant implications for both teams' morale and standings in the league.
