If reports are on the mark, then Sandro Tonali has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur. An agreement has not been found between the two clubs yet. But when things go this far, more often than not, the player does end up leaving. Newcastle United will know that well from the Alexander Isak saga.
Now, it is more about what kind of transfer fee Newcastle United can get out of Tonali’s exit. Could a second or third team enter the race and raise that further? Arsenal and Manchester City have also been linked.
At the same time, Newcastle United will also need to find a proper replacement for one of their best players. Felix Nmecha is someone they have been linked with by reliable outlets.
Nmecha was linked with the Magpies in the summer of 2023 as well, with Eddie Howe believed to be a fan of the German midfielder. But back then, they had eventually signed Tonali. Now, with the Italian seemingly on his way out, could they return for him.
Newcastle United make Felix Nmecha transfer decision
Nmecha remains highly rated at Newcastle United. That being said, it looks like the transfer fee could end up being a stumbling block.
The initial suggestions had been that there was a €85 million release clause in Nmeacha’s contract at Borussia Dortmund. But a move to Newcastle United would only be possible if the German club were willing to do a deal for a lower figure.
Now, according to Chronicle Live, reports coming out of Germany claim that the release clause can’t be activated until the summer of 2027. Also, Borussia Dortmund will want closer to €100 million to sanction Nmecha’s departure.
The figure is too high for Newcastle United. Howe would love to bring Nmecha to St James’ Park, but the Magpies are looking in a different market this summer.
Newcastle out of Felix Nmecha race already as cold water poured over rumours
So, it looks like a move for Nmecha is not on the cards. Newcastle United are set to be priced out of a deal even if they wanted to sign the midfielder.
That raises further questions about the long-term project at Newcastle United. If they receive £100 million out of Tonali’s exit and cannot reinvest that into his replacement, where do the Magpies stand in terms of their finances?
Someone like Nmecha would have been an excellent addition. He is proven at the highest levels for both club and internationally, having established himself at Borussia Dortmund and the German national team.
But unfortunately, Newcastle United are not in a position where they can sign someone like Nmecha. And if they can’t do that, can they compete with the clubs around them in the long run?
The club have been linked with a few other players. And they might potentially be more realistic transfer targets for the Magpies at this point in time.
Lamine Camara of AS Monaco is one of them. Kees Smit is another. So, it feels like the club might be looking at a transfer fee ceiling of about £50 million.
