Former Blues winger Joe Cole has openly questioned Chelsea’s decision to let Tino Livramento go, insisting the Newcastle full-back would “walk into” Enzo Maresca’s current XI.
Livramento, 21, left Stamford Bridge in 2021 after failing to agree terms on a new contract, eventually signing for Southampton. Since then, the defender has gone from academy talent to Carabao Cup winner, England U21 standout, and Newcastle first-teamer under Eddie Howe.
“He had everything: big, powerful, great skill, great attitude,” said Joe Cole. “Tino Livramento would get in Chelsea’s team now, I think.” — Joe Cole, The Dressing Room Podcast
Why Chelsea let Livramento go
Chelsea allowed Livramento to leave as part of a wider youth reshuffle in 2021, with Southampton beating the likes of Brighton, Milan and RB Leipzig to his signature. But after just one season at St Mary's, Newcastle signed him for £32m plus £8m in add-ons, and he has thrived ever since.
The right-back has even made UEFA’s Team of the Tournament and was praised by Cole for his U21 Euro campaign with England.
Cole: “Chelsea’s new signings aren’t upgrades”
Joe Cole believes that letting players like Livramento and Lewis Hall (also now at Newcastle) leave might backfire. Despite Chelsea’s big spending under their new recruitment model, Cole isn’t convinced the replacements are better.
“You’ve still lost Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, another top player… Are the ones coming in better?” he asked. “I’m not so sure.”
Tino Livramento – 2024/25 Premier League Season
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Total Games) | 37 |
| Chances Created | 45 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Goals | 0 |
Analyst Verdict
Letting Livramento go may go down as one of Chelsea's biggest youth oversights. Now thriving at Newcastle and internationally, his rise is a quiet reminder that patience and pathways still matter.
Key Insights
- Tino Livramento Chelsea mistake seen as major by ex-players
- Joe Cole: “He would start for Chelsea right now”
- Livramento made UEFA’s Team of the Tournament at U21 Euros
- Newcastle signed him for £32m + £8m add-ons — now thriving under Howe
What’s Next?
Livramento’s rise may force Chelsea fans and hierarchy to rethink their youth strategy. As Maresca builds his project, the missed talent of players like Tino could come into sharper focus.
What do you think?
Was letting Livramento go one of Chelsea's biggest mistakes?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 2 Jul 2025 17:13
Both are better than Gusto and Ben - would have loved them to stay but they wouldn't be starters for Chelsea.
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