It looks like Sandro Tonali is going to be one of the big stories of this summer transfer window. The Newcastle United midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away for quite some time now. And it looks like Tottenham Hotspur have now made their move.
Tonali is widely considered one of the best in his position in the Premier League. Coming off a second consecutive 17th-place finish in the Premier League, Tottenham could do with someone of his quality.
Ideally, Newcastle United would keep players like Tonali for the long run. It has proven difficult lately, though. And it would not come as a surprise if an exit does materialise. For the time being, it looks like the Magpies are standing their ground.
According to BBC Sport, Newcastle United have rejected a bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Tonali. It is understood that an offer worth about £80 million was turned down earlier this week.
Where will Sandro Tonali play next season?
Newcastle United are in a strong negotiating position when it comes to Tonali. His contract runs until the summer of 2028, so there is no immediate need to panic.
Also, it is worth pointing out that Tottenham Hotspur are not the only club looking to sign Tonali either. The likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, the top two in England right now, have their eyes on the midfielder as well.
This does give Newcastle United more leverage at the very least. The Magpies do not need to accept a transfer fee that they do not want to.
Even in the past, during the Alexander Isak saga, we have seen that the Magpies will hold their ground if need be. So, even if Tonali does end up leaving, one can rest assured that the club will get a fair market value out of his transfer.
How will Newcastle United replace Sandro Tonali?
Replacing someone of Tonali’s quality is not going to be easy, that is for sure. He is one of the best in the world in the role that he plays in the middle of the park.
That is the very reason clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Man City and Arsenal are interested in signing him. So, if Tonali does indeed leave, Newcastle United will have a tough task on their hands.
Newcastle United have already been linked with a potential replacement though. It has been suggested that Brighton & Hove Albion’s Swedish World Cup midfielder, Yasin Ayari, is on the Magpies’ radar.
Now, it remains to be seen if Newcastle United end up making a move for him or not. Ayari is in the final year of his deal at Brighton and could be available for a bargain fee.
