Newcastle United latest news: AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini has been linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer.
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini this week.
Reports from Calciomercato had suggested that Pellegrini had given the ‘green light’ to complete a move to St James’ Park. The midfielder is out of contract at Roma at the end of the season and could leave the Serie A club on a free transfer come June 30.
According to those reports, talks between Pellegrini and Roma over a new contract at the club have stalled, with the Premier League a likely next destination for him should he depart Italy. Leeds United have also been linked with a move for the 29-year-old.
So, just who is Lorenzo Pellegrini, what could he bring to Newcastle United and is a move to St James’ Park realistic this summer? Here, we assess all of that:
Who is Lorenzo Pellegrini?
Pellegrini has spent nine years as an AS Roma player, making almost 350 appearances for them in all competitions. As a youngster, Pellegrini came through the ranks in the Roma youth system, but left to join Sassuolo in 2015 where he spent two years. After 54 appearances there, he rejoined Roma in 2017.
He has been capped 36 times by the Italian national team with his most recent appearance for his country coming in October 2024. Pellegrini has not been picked by Gennaro Gattuso since then.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
How would Lorenzo Pellegrini fit Newcastle United?
Pellegrini has an impressive stature and can be used in a variety of roles in the middle of midfield. He has predominantly played as an attacking midfielder in Serie A this season and has scored three times in 16 league games this term.
A hamstring injury, though, ruled him out of action for a month over the Christmas period and that will be something that any club wanting to sign him will have to consider. Whilst Pellegrini doesn’t have a bad track record with injuries, he has missed matches in most of the last few seasons with various muscle injuries.
Having spent his entire career in Italy, Pellegrini remains untested in the Premier League, although it seems that he has all of the physical attributes to cope with the demands of English football. As Sandro Tonali has shown, players do sometimes need time to adapt to the Premier League and particularly Eddie Howe’s style of football.
What’s the latest on Newcastle United’s reported interest in Lorenzo Pellegrini?
Speculation from Italy that Pellegrini may join Newcastle United comes amid rumours of Tonali’s long-term future at St James’ Park. Tonali has long been linked with a return to Italy and specifically a move to Juventus.
However, it is unlikely that Juve have the financial muscle to afford what the Magpies will demand for the Italian international. Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid have also all been credited with an interest in Tonali in recent weeks.
Pellegrini, therefore, has been put forward as an alternative to Tonali if he leaves Tyneside. However, the Gazette understands he is not under serious consideration for a move to Newcastle this summer, with the reports emerging from Italy simply serving the purpose of drumming up interest and talk around the player to help secure a summer move or even, a new contract at Roma.
Continue Reading