Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has reportedly informed the club that he wants to leave. Tonali returned in August 2024 after a ten-month suspension, and has only made a few appearances for Newcastle since his £55m move from AC Milan.
This season, the Italian international has played a pivotal role as the Magpies chase a Champions League berth, while they have already secured their first major title in 56 years.
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But it may end. According to Sky Sport Switzerland, Newcastle have now “learned of Tonali’s desire to leave” St James’ Park. He has been linked with Manchester City, who are seeking a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, as well as Real Madrid.
Recently, rumours about Barcelona have also surfaced, although the club’s finances could again limit the possibilities. There has also been talk of a return to Italy and Juventus.
According to the report, Newcastle have identified Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze as an “ideal replacement”. The England international, who operates as an attacking midfielder, has a release clause of £60 million and has recorded 17 goal points this season.
The idea is that Eddie Howe will integrate Eze into a three-man midfield, which could change the roles of Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães to adapt to Eze’s more attacking style of play compared to Tonali, who has traditionally been a ‘number six’.
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Alternatively, Newcastle have also been linked with Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who has struggled for game time this season and could become available for around £40 million.
What now?
- Tonali wants to leave Newcastle
- Linked to big clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Man City
- Eze and Elliott on the list as potential replacements
- The club’s midfield dynamic could change radically for next season
With an important player on the way out, Newcastle could be facing a significant reshuffle this transfer window.
