The summer transfer window is officially open for the next two and a half months, and fans are eager to see who Eddie Howe can bring to Newcastle United.
After three transfer windows with little spending, fans are desperate for the Magpies to improve their starting XI, especially with Champions League football on the horizon.
Newcastle United players and staff feel the exact same way. They are well aware of the lack of spending and are keen to see more players join the club. Bruno Guimaraes pleaded with PIF to sign more players for Newcastle just minutes after it was confirmed they had qualified for the Champions League.
Elsewhere, Eddie Howe has made no secret that he expects a big summer on Tyneside. Several names have been linked with moves to Newcastle, but no offers have been made for anyone.
Newcastle are linked with Brighton’s Joao Pedro, who has told his club he wants to leave this summer, and Howe thinks Newcastle can sign Marc Guehi for £40m due to him only having a year left on his deal.
While fans look forward to welcoming new players to the club, Newcastle staff have shared that they think they got one player who has been sensational all season for an absolute steal.
Sandro Tonali celebrates after scoring for Newcastle United against Chelsea
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Newcastle United staff are still baffled by Sandro Tonali’s price tag
A lot of respect has to be put on Sandro Tonali’s name for the way he came back from his 10-month ban. The 25-year-old could have struggled significantly upon his return, but a good support group and mindset meant he was able to hit the ground running almost straight away.
Tim Howard thinks Tonali is ‘incredible’ for his contributions to Newcastle last season, and it is hard to disagree with him. The Italian’s role shift was one of the main reasons why Newcastle became such a devastating team to play against. By playing as a deeper midfielder, Joelinton and Guimaraes were able to roam around the pitch with much more freedom, safe in the knowledge that their teammate was behind to protect them.
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His performances have been such a difference maker that Newcastle staff have come to a major realisation about him. In a report from the Athletic, a senior figure at the club admitted that the “stars had aligned” for their deal to sign Tonali, due to AC Milan’s need to sell and Newcastle’s proactive approach, leading them to get a cut-price deal for him.
Tonali was unstoppable in the Carabao Cup final, putting in a breathtaking performance to help the Magpies win their first domestic trophy for 70 years. The performances in the Premier League were also brilliant, with his efforts helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League once again.
Newcastle United must try and repeat sensational Sandro Tonali deal this summer
With Newcastle able to spend at least £150m this summer, it is clear that they can spend heavily on at least one quality player.
Joao Pedro is expected to cost Newcastle £60m this summer, but they could look abroad for a cheaper option. The Magpies are currently keeping their European transfer targets under wraps to ensure negotiations can go smoothly and are not hindered by any new reports, similar to what happened with Tonali’s deal in 2023.
Whoever is on the list of targets this summer, Newcastle must look to take advantage of clubs who are in desperate need to sell and negotiate a smaller transfer fee for them. It is evident that the club staff can do it given what they were able to achieve with Tonali.
Newcastle are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande this summer as an alternative to Guehi. The defender has a £68m release clause but reports have stated that he could be signed for as little as £45m.