There has not been much of significance that has happened for Newcastle United so far in the summer transfer window, except for the departure of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona. The fans will be hoping for some quality additions to be made to improve a team that could only finish 12th in the Premier League last season.
Unfortunately, the opposite might happen. While the Magpies do not seem to be closing in on any significant signings, some of their best players seem to be in active talks over moves away.
There are no points for guessing the player who has been most actively linked with a St James’ Park exit in recent months. Sandro Tonali seems intent on leaving. And even a lack of European football does not seem to be a dealbreaker in that ambition.
According to a report from Nicolo Schira, Tonali is getting closer to moving to Tottenham Hotspur from Newcastle for a transfer fee over €100 million. The midfielder has a total agreement with Spurs for a contract until 2032, for €12 million per year, and has given his availability to Roberto de Zerbi, who had a key role in convincing him despite two other bids from top English clubs.
Sandro Tonali exit seems like only a matter of time
Tonali has been an integral part of this Newcastle United team. And he is considered one of the best in the world when it comes to his particular role on the pitch.
The Magpies have stood beside him in difficult times as well, when his future in the game had looked uncertain. So, it would be a bit disappointing for them to see Tonali so eager on a move away.
If the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or someone of that level had come calling, it would have been understandable. But Tonali seems open to going to a club that finished 17th in back-to-back seasons and has no Premier League football on offer.
That is modern football though. It should not be unexpected. And judging by the reporting in the media, it seems like a matter of when, not if, when it comes to Tonali’s exit.
Who could replace Tonali for Newcastle United?
To be very honest, it would be extremely difficult for the club to find a like-for-like replacement for someone like Tonali. He is very much a specialist in his role altogether. They might end up having to settle for a different profile.
We have seen the Magpies being linked with some highly-rated midfielders though. Lamine Camara of AS Monaco is one of them. But he is not the only one.
Another midfielder who seems to have caught their eye is Swiss international Johan Manzambi. He is currently enjoying a standout World Cup campaign.
All things considered, it does look like Newcastle United would be looking to sign a midfielder available for under €50 million and then hope they prove to be good enough to replace someone like Tonali in the middle of the park.
