Liverpool should consider a summer move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, reckons Vladimir Smicer
Newcastle United's Italian midfielder #08 Sandro Tonali (2L) vies with Liverpool's Argentinian midfielder #10 Alexis Mac Allister (C) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 31, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali (second left) and Anthony Gordon (right) vies with Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister during the Premier League match at Anfield on January 31, 2026(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
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Liverpool have been told they should make a fresh transfer raid on Newcastle United this summer after signing Alexander Isak from their Premier League rivals.
The Reds brought to an end last summer's major transfer saga when they agreed a £125m British record fee with the Magpies for Isak on deadline day.
The Sweden international has struggled in his first season on Merseyside mainly due to fitness and injury issues, which recently led Newcastle great Alan Shearer to declare bluntly that it's a move that's not worked out for all parties.
But former Liverpool favourite Vladimir Smicer has backed Isak, who scored in Saturday's 3-1 home win over Crystal Palace, to come good and urged his old club to return to the Magpies to sign midfielder Sandro Tonali.
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The Italy international is one of Newcastle's most prized assets and while there has been speculation that they will be forced to sell a big-name player this summer if they don't qualify for Europe, reports seem to suggest that player is more likely to be ex-Everton winger Anthony Gordon, who himself has been linked with a switch to Anfield.
The Magpies paid £52m sign Tonali from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 and reportedly want in excess of £80m if they were to sell him.
And Smicer, who won the Champions League with the Reds in 2025, said: "In Arne Slot's first year at Liverpool, we didn't spend a lot of money but won the title. After the title, we spent a lot of money and bought new players, too many players.
"There were too many changes in the team. It was a little difficult for the new players to settle, and all these small details played against us alongside injuries.
"Now we need to think about the future. More senior players are leaving, so we will definitely spend some money. How much depends on if we are in the Champions League next season, as that is important for the club financially.
"We need to really pick the right areas where we need to strengthen the team. I think on the sides, the wingers, and then maybe a bit at the back, we need some new blood.
"Sandro Tonali would be a big improvement. Liverpool have Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Gravenberch is staying but we’re not sure on Mac Allister. Tonali would strengthen Liverpool’s team.
"Liverpool need to choose the weakest position in our squad and buy the best possible player, even for a lot of money. That would be my strategy. Tonali should be considered."
Midfield is an intriguing area for the Reds. Gravenberch signed a new six-year contract last month, while the club is eager to tie Szoboszlai down to a new deal, but talks have not started with Mac Allister, who has two years left to run on his deal, while Curtis Jones is about the enter the final 12 months of his.
But Smicer has no doubt that Isak, along with Hugo Ekitike, once he returns from his long-term injury, are the future of Liverpool's attack.
Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Anfield on April 25 2026
Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Anfield on April 25 2026(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
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"I think the saga around Isak was, again, down to small details, which was a little frustrating and perhaps worked against the team because of the waiting," said the 52-year-old to football betting site BetVictor.
"Eventually, it happened, but then he missed pre-season and picked up an injury. I think a lot of the players we signed last summer will be much better next season. I'm sure of it, because now they know the club more, they understand the pressure, the fans, the culture of the club, and they will play much better than they did this season.
"Alexander Isak is one of them. We fought hard for him, and that's not only because we wanted him to stay for just one season.
"I just hope I think he's got much more to show and to give to Liverpool than he has so far. As I said, he was a little bit unlucky, missing pre-season and then picking up the injury."
The fourth-placed Reds travel to third-placed Manchester United on Sunday (3.30pm kick-off). Victory could be enough to secure Champions League football for next season.