Newcastle United’s failed £250m spending spree last summer has increased the pressure on Eddie Howe’s position and had a huge hit on the club’s Premier League standing.
The Magpies faithful have become accustomed to European finishes in recent years, but their 14th placed standing at present could see numerous key players depart St James’ Park.
Sandro Tonali is one player who’s almost certain to depart Tyneside this summer, as the Italian has been constantly touted with moves to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
The sale of the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be a bitter blow for Howe and Co, but may be needed to prevent any implications with the division’s financial constraints.
As a result, the hierarchy desperately need to right the wrongs of last summer’s dealings and identify the right player to fill the void, should the £55m signing depart during the off-season.
Newcastle United’s most expensive sales
Player
Fee
Joined
Year
Alexander Isak
£125m
Liverpool
2025
Andy Carroll
£35m
Liverpool
2011
Elliot Anderson
£35m
Nottingham Forest
2024
Yankuba Minteh
£30m
Brighton
2024
Ayoze Perez
£30m
Leicester City
2019
Moussa Sissoko
£30m
Tottenham
2016
Georginio Wijnaldum
£25m
Liverpool
2016
Newcastle could have £40m bid accepted for European star
In an attempt to land a new central midfielder this summer, Newcastle have been hunting far and wide for reinforcements ahead of the opening of the window.
Liverpool star Curtis Jones has emerged as one possible option for the Magpies, with the Englishman just one player who could depart Anfield this summer.
It’s been reported that the 25-year-old is craving more consistent first-team minutes in the Premier League, which could open the door to a switch to Tyneside.
Despite the recent interest in Jones’ signature, other targets are still being pursued at present, with Roma star Manu Kone another player in the hierarchy’s sight ahead of the upcoming window.
According to Il Messaggero via Sport Witness, the Magpies hold an interest in the French star, who could be sold this summer to ease the Italian outfit’s own financial troubles.
The report also states that Inter Milan and Manchester United are interested in a deal for the 24-year-old, but Howe’s side could prove to hold the edge in meeting his current asking price.
It’s claimed that Gian Piero Gasperini’s men would accept an offer in the region of £40m during the upcoming window – a deal that would be a possible bargain.
Why Kone would be Newcastle’s next Tonali
Newcastle’s midfield department has played a huge role in their success of recent seasons, with Tonali forming an excellent partnership with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
However, the financial situation, coupled with the lowly current league standing, could lead to the trio being dismantled during the upcoming transfer window.
The Italian appears the most likely to depart at present, which could see a hefty profit being made on his signature, but it would undoubtedly leave a huge hole at the heart of the side.
Most PL minutes played for Newcastle (2025/26)
Player
Minutes
Malick Thiaw
2604
Sandro Tonali
2310
Bruno Guimaraes
2121
Nick Pope
2057
Dan Burn
1920
Lewis Hall
1887
Anthony Gordon
1814
Harvey Barnes
1790
He’s featured in every game for the Magpies in the Premier League this term, further reaffirming his importance to Howe’s side despite the recent struggles in England’s top-flight.
However, should he depart the club, the hierarchy have the perfect chance to replicate his transfer to Tyneside, with a £40m deal for current transfer target, Kone.
The Frenchman would emulate Tonali in moving to Newcastle from an Italian top-flight outfit, whilst also having the opportunity to capture the hearts of the fanbase.
His stats from his time in Rome this term demonstrate the quality he possesses, with the 24-year-old arguably the perfect man to replace the Italian should he be sold this summer.
Kone, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by analyst Antonio Mango, has completed 91% of the passes he’s attempted this campaign – a tally higher than Tonali.
His subsequent figure demonstrates his talent with the ball at his feet, which has allowed him to match the current Magpies’ star’s tally of two assists this term.
The Frenchman’s quality in possession is further reflected by his tally of 62% dribbles completed in Serie A – ranking him in the top 15% of all midfielders in the division.
Without the ball, the Roma star has been just as impressive, as seen by his remarkable tally of 5.6 ground duels won and 1.9 tackles won per 90.
The former of the aforementioned stats is higher than that of Tonali, which could make him the perfect box-to-box option for Howe’s side throughout 2026/27.
Other figures, such as 4.7 ball recoveries and 1.1 chances created per 90, demonstrate his quality at both ends of the pitch – something which Newcastle have desperately lacked in recent months.
manu-kone-borussia-monchengladbach-liverpool-premier-league
Losing Tonali would be a devastating blow to Howe and the fanbase this summer, but a deal for Kone would certainly soften the blow should the fan-favourite move onto pastures new.
£40m for a player of his quality could prove to be a shrewd piece of business and one that would allow the supporters to forget about the struggles endured over the ongoing campaign.
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