Chelsea have entered talks with Southampton to re-sign former academy star Tino Livramento after Newcastle made a summer approach for the 20-year-old. Without making a single senior appearance, Livramento departed Stamford Bridge in 2021 to seal a £5 million transfer to the Saints and he could now be on the move again.
During his first season on the south coast he was an instant hit, but in April of that campaign disaster struck when he severely damaged his ACL. A long and testing recovery process saw the right-back play just 26 minutes of Premier League last season as as Southampton were relegated to the Championship.
Despite a turbulent 15 months, Livramento could make an instant return to England's top flight. As first revealed by the Telegraph, Newcastle entered advanced talks with Southampton in June to sign him this summer.
A £23m offer is currently on the table from St James Park and despite the fact he was last on the Blues books in 2021, The Athletic is reporting that Chelsea will profit from a sale and if that proposal is accepted, the Blues will pocket £8m and Southampton will receive the remaining £15m.
However, that move currently looks unlikely to happen with Southampton valuing the England international at £39m. That price tag being met could result in Chelsea then getting around £13m from his transfer as part of the sell-on clause inserted into his contract, however the Blues may actually end up spending money on him as opposed to receiving it.
According to the Mail, talks have been held between the two parties regarding the possibility of Livramento returning to west London. A buyback or first refusal clause does not appear to have been included in his initial move which likely means Southampton will be providing the same firm asking price stance to Chelsea as they did with Newcastle.
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The decision to explore a reunion is certainly an interesting one given Reece James has made Livramento's favoured position his own and considering the fact Malo Gusto was acquired in January before being loaned back to Lyon. However, the Blues are looking to use that same tactic on Livramento by buying him from Southampton before loaning him back for the 2023/24 season.
That added incentive could make Southampton re-think their asking price to Chelsea specifically as they will be able to pocket the funds and keep the player for a crucial season where they will be eyeing an immediate return to the Championship. It is also beneficial from Chelsea's perspective as he would have ample time to regain his fitness and, barring any further injury complications, get regular minutes back into his legs.
However, if the transfer is completed with that idea sanctioned, it presents a difficult scenario 12 months later as Chelsea would have three right-backs competing for one spot with all three either already there or about to enter their prime.
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