Ashley Cole is really impressed with one of Chelsea’s former academy players right now, backing him to have a successful career in the game.
Many of Chelsea’s academy products have thrived since departing Cobham, with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi coming to mind.
The 24-year-old has been so good that it is thought that Chelsea are interested in re-signing him this summer. Chelsea will not break the bank for Guehi, however, as he has just 12 months left on his contract.
Tino Livramento is also someone who has left west London and developed into an immense player as a result.
Ashley Cole knew Tino Livramento was destined for big things
Livramento’s rise is not a surprise to Cole, though, who had a feeling that the full-back would do well after watching him play for Chelsea’s Under-21 side.
Cole, who has been working with Livramento in the England Under-21 set-up, recently spoke about the Newcastle United star.
“He was in the under-21s, in the reserve group at Chelsea,” Cole was quoted as saying by BBC Sport after the Young Lions 3-1 win against the Czech Republic on Thursday. “You always see the passion and level he could get to.
“I think him getting the opportunity at Newcastle and continuing to play first-team football gave him the belief, the confidence in his own ability. And of course, a manager that’s trusted him to play at such a young age. I think he had quite a big challenge going to Newcastle, but he’s developing into a top player.”
The Chelsea legend later went on to add: “I think he’s got a beautiful future, a bright future. Long may it continue that he keeps playing for Newcastle, keeps gaining experience and keeps his levels up.”
It would be great if Chelsea had Livramento now. While the 22-year-old is a right-back by trade, he can also play at left-back, an area where the Blues are quite light.
Enzo Maresca does not see Ben Chilwell as an option, and it is not quite clear what the club plan to do with Renato Veiga. It means that Marc Cucurella is the only real left-back option the Chelsea manager has right now.
Lazio are interested in Chilwell, so the Blues could try and shift him to Italy this summer.
Tino Livramento could join one of Chelsea’s biggest Premier League rivals
Livramento could now be about to make one of Chelsea’s top-six rivals even stronger as they look to add him to their side.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has posted on X that Manchester City are interested in signing Livramento, though negotiations with Newcastle for the player’s signature have been complicated.
