Newcastle United could end up losing Sandro Tonali this summer. He has been linked with a move away from the club far too frequently over the past few weeks for there to be nothing behind the speculation.
Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be very keen on signing Tonali. Reports suggest that Roberto De Zerbi views him as someone to build the new project around. And one would imagine that other top clubs would be interested as well if a player of his quality does end up becoming available.
If Newcastle United do end up allowing Tonali to leave, they will need to find a replacement for him. And it appears that a Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is on their radar.
According to the Football Insider, Brighton & Hove Albion are weighing up whether to hand Yasin Ayari a new contract or allow him to leave amid growing interest from Newcastle United.
Newcastle United linked with move for Brighton midfielder
Ayari has only one year left on his current deal at Brighton & Hove Albion. So, it is easy to see why the Seagulls might be considering his future at the club.
That opens up a potential opportunity for Newcastle United to swoop in. It has been suggested that the Magpies view him as a potential replacement for Tonali in the middle of the park.
According to the same report, Pete O’Rourke said about the situation while speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast:
“It’s an interesting one, this for Brighton, because Ayari is going into the final year of his contract at the Amex.
“Brighton have got a decision to make about whether they try and tie him down to a new contract, or whether they’re ready to let him move on this summer.
“If nothing can be agreed this is probably their last chance to cash in on him and Newcastle will be hoping that might allow them to land the Sweden International maybe for a cut-price fee.
“So, Brighton have got a decision to make, and I’m sure Newcastle are monitoring this contract situations right now, ready to pounce if he does become available.”
Would Ayari be a good replacement for Tonali?
It remains to be seen if Newcastle United do end up making a move for Ayari. Of course, nothing is set in stone when it comes to the future of Tonali either, despite the heavy speculation.
One thing that I need to point out is that with merely a year left on his contract, if Newcastle United are able to sign Ayari, it would most likely be for a bargain transfer fee.
Ayari cannot be termed a nailed-on starter for Brighton but he did start 20 games for the Seagulls last season. Also, he has made a positive impression at the ongoing World Cup by scoring twice for Sweden already, having started both games as well.
So, this is the type of signing that Newcastle United could make in this summer transfer window, if Tonali’s future does lie away from the club next season.
